SMEs Being Enabled to Play Active Role in National Economy: SMEDA CEO

By Farzana Chaudhry
Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE, May 23: Chief Executive Officer of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority Nadia Jahangir Seth has said that the government is committed to empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and integrating them more effectively into Pakistan’s national economy through targeted support and business development initiatives.
She expressed these views while addressing industrialists and traders during a visit to the regional office of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Lahore. Senior officials of SMEDA were also present on the occasion.
The SMEDA delegation was received by FPCCI Regional Chairman and Vice President Zaki Ijaz, Lahore Chamber of Small Industries and Trade President Chaudhry Muhammad Amjad and other business leaders.
Speaking at the meeting, Nadia Jahangir Seth highlighted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision for economic growth and said that SMEDA, under the guidance of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan, has initiated strategic measures to unlock the potential of MSMEs across Pakistan.
She said the organisation is working to develop a vibrant ecosystem for small businesses through focused support mechanisms aimed at business expansion, SME formalisation and export promotion. According to her, recent initiatives also include dedicated programmes for women entrepreneurs and micro-enterprises, alongside measures to reduce financial barriers and improve access to economic opportunities for business owners.
Addressing the gathering, FPCCI Regional Chairman and Vice President Zaki Ijaz said SMEs are globally recognised as major drivers of economic growth, employment generation and industrial development. He noted that despite multiple economic challenges, Pakistan’s SME sector continues to contribute significantly to commercial activity and exports.
However, he said SMEs continue to face issues including limited access to finance, rising operational costs, complex regulations and export-related barriers. He stressed that strengthening the SME sector is essential for improving productivity, creating employment opportunities and enhancing Pakistan’s export competitiveness.
Zaki Ijaz also congratulated Nadia Jahangir Seth on receiving the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz in recognition of her contributions to SME development, public policy and the promotion of women entrepreneurship.
At the conclusion of the meeting, SMEDA and FPCCI reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative initiatives aimed at strengthening MSMEs and enhancing their contribution to Pakistan’s economic growth and prosperity.