HCSTSI, SBP officials discuss SMEs financing issues

Shan Sehgal, vice president of the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (HCSTSI), held talks with State Bank of Pakistan officials in Hyderabad on SME financing, according to Business Recorder. The discussion covered the difficulties small businesses face in obtaining loans, the various SME schemes offered by banks, and obstacles in accessing finance. The SBP team included Chief Manager Muhammad Ismail, Deputy Chief Manager Khadim Hussain Khokhar and Deputy Director Adil Zahoor.

Sehgal said the business community had raised problems with bank schemes, their procedures and access to financing at a recent SME Baithak. He welcomed the State Bank's focus on SME financing and its instructions to banks, while saying that practical cooperation was needed so the schemes delivered benefits to businesses. He also proposed stronger liaison between the chamber and the State Bank so member concerns could be resolved quickly.

The SBP officials said any SME financing or banking issue raised by the chamber could be brought to the State Bank, which would take it up with the concerned bank. Sehgal thanked the officials for their focus on SME concerns and said the chamber would keep coordinating with the State Bank and the banking sector.