Govt Plans Wider Financial Support for Women Entrepreneurs

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed commercial banks to expand financing access for women entrepreneurs and SMEs, emphasizing exports and global market reach. Chairing a review meeting on SME development, he highlighted the sector’s potential to boost Pakistan’s economic stability and export performance. He appreciated the roadmap presented by Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority and the Ministry of Industries and Production, and asked for a detailed implementation framework with clear timelines and measurable outcomes. He further instructed that agricultural processing industries be granted SME status to enhance financial inclusion and policy support for value-added agribusiness. The Prime Minister also stressed greater participation of women in small and medium industries to widen economic opportunity nationwide. Officials from SMEDA, the Ministry of Industries and Production, and the State Bank of Pakistan briefed that 48 initiatives are underway across eight strategic sectors under a phased reform plan. These initiatives aim to achieve growth targets within two and four years through targeted interventions. Measures include improved market access via exhibitions, easier and low-cost financing, stronger value chains, and a national SME database. SMEs represent 90 percent of businesses in Pakistan yet face credit and export barriers requiring reform support.