Islamabad, March 6, 2025 – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed that skilled manpower should be hired from the market to strengthen the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA).
Chairing the Steering Committee meeting of SMEDA, he emphasized that the government is prioritizing the promotion of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to boost economic growth.
Under the prime minister’s leadership, micro-enterprises have now been integrated into the SME sector, with a comprehensive policy in development to support their growth. He instructed that SMEDA must adopt a transparent recruitment process to hire a workforce of international standards, ensuring competitive market salaries.
Shehbaz also highlighted the critical role of professional labor training for the SME sector, stressing that SMEDA should focus on developing skilled human resources. He acknowledged SMEDA’s crucial role in uplifting the rural economy and directed the formation of a strategy to provide interest-free loans to rural populations, particularly women, through SMEDA initiatives. Additionally, he ordered the consolidation of all professional training institutes at the federal level into a single entity to enhance efficiency.
During the meeting, officials briefed the prime minister on ongoing reforms in SMEDA. It was reported that, following his directives, private sector representation within the SMEDA board is being expanded. Further, steps are being taken to equip SMEDA’s workforce with new skills and modern technology to enhance productivity. A strategic plan is also in the works to broaden and strengthen SMEDA’s portfolio, making its services more effective and wide-ranging.
On Shehbaz’s instructions, the Ministry of Commerce and SMEDA are jointly identifying export-oriented companies to enhance international trade. A structured performance management framework is being established within SMEDA to ensure better accountability and efficiency. As part of its efforts, SMEDA has recently organized 28 seminars and training programs, benefiting 953 participants.
Additionally, a financial literacy program is being launched for SMEs, with expert inductions already completed. An export assistance program is also being developed to boost SME sector exports. Moreover, a legal framework for SME sector subcontracting is under preparation, with the hiring process set to commence soon.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Industry and Production Rana Tanvir Hussain, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar, Chairman PM Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, and other high-level officials. Members of the National Assembly Syeda Nousheen Iftikhar and Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha participated via video link.
