Government seeks stronger public-private collaboration to improve digital payments, business management and financing opportunities for small businesses.
The government is moving to strengthen digital transformation among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through greater cooperation between the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) and Jazz.
A delegation from Jazz met with Adviser to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan to discuss opportunities for a public-private partnership focused on the digitalization, growth and development of SMEs.
During the meeting, Haroon Akhtar Khan said practical cooperation between SMEDA and Jazz would be encouraged to help small businesses adopt digital technologies. He highlighted technology as an important tool for improving the efficiency and competitiveness of SMEs across Pakistan.
According to the adviser, digital solutions can help businesses enhance productivity, strengthen customer engagement, expand the use of digital payments and improve overall business management. These measures are expected to help SMEs operate more efficiently while providing them with greater access to modern business services.
The government also plans to explore new avenues for digital financing for small businesses and retailers. Mobile-based lending solutions could provide easier access to financing and help small entrepreneurs meet their working capital and business expansion needs.
Particular attention will be given to small shops and retail businesses, with specialized digital solutions being considered to support their transition toward technology-enabled operations.
The initiative also aims to connect SMEs with suppliers, customers, markets and financial services through digital channels. Such connectivity could help businesses expand their customer base, improve supply-chain access and benefit from emerging digital financial services.
Haroon Akhtar Khan emphasized that making Pakistani SMEs more productive, digitally empowered and financially included remains a key government priority.
The proposed collaboration between SMEDA and Jazz reflects a broader effort to use private-sector technology and telecommunications capabilities to support SME development. Greater digital adoption could enable small businesses to improve operations while opening access to new markets and financial opportunities.
The partnership is expected to contribute to a more digitally connected SME ecosystem, particularly for retailers and smaller enterprises that have traditionally had limited access to advanced technology and formal financial services.