ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday noted that all economic indicators of the country were on a positive trajectory; however, promotion of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) was a must to bring further improvement.
Chairing a meeting of the National Coordination Committee (NCC) on SMEs, he said that small enterprises are an important component of the country and their promotion would not only strengthen the economy but would also create employment opportunities.
Federal ministers Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Hammad Azhar, SAPM Usman Dar, Board of Investment chairman, federal secretaries of industries, commerce, finance, energy, petroleum and law, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) deputy governor, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) commissioner, SMEDA CEO, Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) managing director and other concerned senior officers were present on the occasion.
During the meeting, the prime minister was informed that the database of SMEs was being updated on a priority basis, while the tax form of SMEs was being simplified. In addition, consultations with all stakeholders were already underway to extend financial assistance to SMEs. A fund will soon be created in this regard.
The premier was further informed that SME Development Authority (SMEDA) was being restructured to further enhance its capacity.
