Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to hire a workforce that meets global standards, with salaries aligned to market rates.

Chairing a steering committee meeting at the Prime Minister’s House, he emphasised the need for professional training in SMEs, asserting that the government is prioritising the growth of small and medium enterprises.

The prime minister stressed the importance of recruiting skilled professionals through a transparent process and insisted that professional training for SME sector workers is crucial.

He highlighted SMEDA’s role in strengthening the rural economy and instructed officials to develop a strategy to extend interest-free loans to rural communities, particularly women.

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He also ordered the consolidation of all federal vocational training institutions into a single entity for streamlined operations.

During the briefing, officials informed the Prime Minister about ongoing reforms in SMEDA.

It was revealed that micro-enterprises have been incorporated into the SME sector, with a comprehensive policy in the works.

The private sector’s representation in SMEDA’s board is being expanded, and plans are in place to equip the workforce with advanced skills and modern technology.

A performance management framework is also being developed to enhance efficiency.

The meeting was briefed on initiatives to boost SME exports, including the launch of an Export Assistance Programme and the formulation of a legal framework for SME subcontracting.

The recruitment of experts to oversee these initiatives is set to begin soon. Officials also reported that 28 training seminars have already been held, benefitting 953 individuals.

Additionally, a financial literacy programme for SMEs has been initiated, with specialists already on board to assist entrepreneurs.