Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan on Wednesday said the government is planning to reduce industrial taxes and electricity tariffs as part of broader efforts to support businesses and strengthen economic growth.
Addressing a press conference, Khan said that Pakistan has largely achieved macroeconomic stability and the government’s focus has now shifted toward promoting micro, small and medium enterprises. He emphasized that SMEs are the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, playing a vital role in employment generation, production, and exports.
He said the government has placed SMEs at the center of national development, with a clear objective of ensuring that economic policies benefit every district and small business across the country. According to Khan, the capital value of small enterprises generally ranges between Rs30 million and Rs150 million, while micro enterprises form the core strength of the national economy and need to be fully mainstreamed.
Highlighting key challenges faced by MSMEs, he pointed to limited access to financing due to banks’ reluctance to extend loans, as well as gaps in market information and product visibility. He said these issues were being addressed through institutional reforms and policy interventions.
Khan noted that the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority has been reorganised and a new head appointed. He added that consultations with SME clusters across the country have been completed and a comprehensive SME policy has been formulated with representation from all provinces and regions.
He also stressed the importance of inclusivity, stating that women entrepreneurs are an integral part of the government’s economic strategy. Practical work has begun on the National Women Entrepreneurship Policy to improve women’s access to financing, training, and markets. According to Khan, women’s economic empowerment is essential for Pakistan’s long-term economic strength.
The special assistant announced that the Made-in-Pakistan SME Cluster Showcase Expo 2026 will be held from January 24 to 26 at the Expo Centre Lahore. He described the event as a national platform for small businesses, featuring more than 30 SME cluster pavilions and participation from 174 representatives.
He added that banks and financial institutions will participate in the expo to provide SMEs with direct access to financing, while international delegates from Azerbaijan, Kenya, and Malaysia will attend, offering global exposure for Pakistani small businesses.
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