Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, chaired a high-level meeting with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) and international consultancy firm AT Kearney to review a comprehensive three-year business plan for Pakistan’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The meeting also included members of the SMEDA board, who participated in a detailed discussion on the proposed plan.
Haroon Akhtar highlighted that the SME business plan had been developed after extensive consultations with all relevant stakeholders, resulting in an inclusive policy package aimed at strengthening the SME sector. The Special Assistant emphasised that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of empowering SMEs “is now translating into reality,” with a strategic focus on formalisation, productivity enhancement, and unlocking the full potential of SMEs across Pakistan.
The business plan addresses long-standing challenges in the SME sector, including limited access to credit, low productivity, and the impact of climate change. According to Akhtar, these issues will be addressed on a priority basis through targeted interventions, creating a more competitive and resilient SME ecosystem.
Under the proposed plan, women’s participation in SMEs will be actively encouraged and supported, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusive economic growth and recognition of women as key drivers of the economy. The Special Assistant reaffirmed that the government, under the supervision of PM Shehbaz Sharif, is working to uplift SMEs and strengthen their contribution to national economic development.
“The SME business plan will span three years, and its 100% implementation will be ensured,” said Haroon Akhtar. He noted that a detailed presentation on the plan has been finalised and will soon be submitted to the Prime Minister for approval.
The meeting also revisited the National SME and Worker Formalisation Roadmap, which the government is implementing to promote competitive economic growth, stronger institutions, higher productivity, and improved working conditions in the SME sector. Haroon Akhtar described the roadmap as a central pillar of Pakistan’s economic transformation, highlighting the benefits of formalisation in expanding access to finance, technology, export markets, and decent work opportunities.
With 44% of Pakistan’s GDP still informal and millions of workers outside social protection, Akhtar stressed the urgent need for structural reforms aligned with modern supply chain and business standards. The comprehensive SME business plan and roadmap aim to position Pakistan’s SMEs as a key driver of sustainable economic growth, fostering inclusivity, resilience, and long-term competitiveness.
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