Govt moves to revive Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority

A committee appointed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is due to deliver a four-week plan to reorganise the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, Dawn reported. The proposed changes are intended to widen support for businesses and improve financing access for micro, small and medium enterprises across Pakistan. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan chairs the committee.

The government formed the panel after the authority had been inactive for years. Officials said small and medium enterprises represent about 99pc of businesses and provide around 78pc of employment; roughly 61pc of these enterprises, or 4.33 million units, are in Punjab. The committee also reviewed support models from six countries and discussed coordination, digital registration, advisory services and links with financial institutions as elements for the reorganisation.