Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed commercial banks to provide easier access to financing for women entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises, while also supporting them in expanding exports and accessing international markets. Chairing a meeting to review government initiatives for the development of SMEs, the prime minister said the sector holds significant potential for strengthening the economy and increasing Pakistan’s export capacity.

Chairing a meeting to review government initiatives for the development of SMEs, the prime minister said the sector holds significant potential for strengthening the economy and increasing Pakistan’s export capacity.

PM expressed satisfaction over the roadmap prepared by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority and the Ministry of Industries and Production and directed officials to present an implementation plan with measurable targets within a defined timeline.

He also instructed authorities to grant SME status to processing sectors within agriculture, a move aimed at extending policy support and financial access to value added agricultural businesses.

The prime minister welcomed efforts to increase participation of women in small and medium industries and emphasized the importance of expanding economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs.

During the briefing, officials from SMEDA, the Ministry of Industries and Production, and the State Bank of Pakistan informed the meeting that 48 initiatives were currently being implemented across eight strategic sectors under a phased development plan. According to officials, these initiatives are designed to support growth targets over the next two and four years through sector specific interventions and policy reforms.

Participants were also briefed on measures related to improving market access through roadshows and exhibitions, facilitating investment through easier and lower cost bank financing, strengthening industrial value chains through vendor profiling, and improving documentation through the creation of a national SME database.

Pakistan’s SME sector represents nearly 90 percent of businesses in the country and contributes significantly to employment and economic activity. However, the sector has long faced challenges including limited access to financing, documentation issues, weak integration into formal supply chains, and barriers to export markets.

According to central bank data, SME financing in Pakistan remains comparatively low relative to regional economies, prompting repeated efforts by policymakers and international institutions to improve access to credit and strengthen support mechanisms for small businesses.

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