Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday directed relevant institutions to fast-track the provision of loans for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on easy terms through banks and other financial institutions.

Chairing a meeting to review the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority’s (SMEDA) business plan, the prime minister said SMEs were the backbone of the national economy and held vast potential to increase Pakistan’s exports.

A three-year roadmap for SME promotion was presented during the meeting, outlining measures to address key challenges faced by the sector.

The plan includes steps to integrate SMEs into national export supply chains and strengthen their presence in international markets through enhanced cooperation with foreign partners.

The prime minister praised his Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar and the newly appointed SMEDA Board of Directors for developing what he described as a practical and effective strategy.

Officials briefed the meeting on ongoing capacity-building efforts, including workshops held in six cities to support domestic SMEs and training programmes designed to prepare businesses for global competition.

The meeting was also informed about initiatives aimed at increasing women’s participation and ensuring a meaningful role for women in the SME sector.

The meeting was attended by Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmad, chief secretaries of all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, members of the newly appointed SMEDA board, and senior officials from relevant departments.