SMEDA, FPCCI mull avenues for economic growth

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd May, 2026) Reaffirming the government’s commitment to empowering Pakistan’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Chief Executive Officer of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), Nadia Jahangir Seth, has said that SMEDA is working tirelessly to create an enabling ecosystem that allows MSMEs to grow, innovate and contribute more effectively to the national economy.

She expressed these views during a visit of a SMEDA delegation to the regional office of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) here Saturday. Both organizations discussed avenues for closer collaboration to strengthen Pakistan’s SME sector.

She highlighted the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to be implemented under the guidance of Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and production for boosting economic growth through SMEs Development. She said SMEDA under supervision of MOIP had undertaken a series of strategic initiatives aimed at unlocking the immense potential of MSMEs across the country.

She said SMEDA’s “SME Development Focus Vision” was designed to support entrepreneurship, promote exports and facilitate business formalization through practical and business-friendly reforms and targeted support mechanisms.

“SMEs are the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and hold tremendous potential for job creation, innovation and export growth. SMEDA is fully committed to equipping them with the tools, opportunities and policy support needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment,” she stated.

The CEO highlighted several key interventions introduced by SMEDA, including dedicated initiatives for women entrepreneurs, SME registration and formalization, export promotion support and improved facilitation services for emerging enterprises.

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She further noted that special measures had also been introduced for entrepreneurs to help ease financial constraints and improve access to economic opportunities.

Speaking on the occasion, Regional Chairman and Vice President FPCCI Zaki Ijaz said, MSMEs were globally recognized as a key driver of economic growth, employment generation and entrepreneurship development. He observed that Pakistan’s SME sector continued to play a vital role in supporting economic activity and exports despite facing multiple structural challenges.

He pointed out that SMEs in Pakistan still encounter difficulties including limited access to finance, rising cost of doing business, complicated regulatory procedures, technological adaptation barriers and export-related constraints.

“Pakistan’s sustainable economic progress depends on a strong and resilient SME sector. Strengthening SMEs is essential for enhancing productivity, creating jobs and improving the country’s export competitiveness,” he remarked.

Zaki Ijaz also congratulated CEO SMEDA Nadia Jahangir Seth on being conferred the prestigious Tamgha-e-Imtiaz by the government in recognition of her outstanding services in SME development, public policy and women entrepreneurship promotion.

Senior officers of SMEDA accompanied the CEO during the visit.

At the conclusion of the meeting, SMEDA and FPCCI reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing collaborative initiatives aimed at strengthening MSMEs and enhancing their contribution to Pakistan’s economic growth and prosperity.