LAHORE: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan chaired a high-level meeting to review SMEDA clusters and the challenges faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in accessing international markets.
The meeting was attended by Additional Secretary for Industries and Production Asad Islam Mahni, SMEDA Chief Executive Officer Nadia J Seth, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and members of various SME clusters.
During the meeting, representatives of SME clusters raised serious concerns over visa-related issues encountered while participating in international exhibitions. They noted that visa applications are often delayed, rejected or remain pending, hampering Pakistan’s effective representation at global platforms and limiting the exposure of local products.
Addressing these concerns, Khan emphasised the need for coordinated efforts among SMEDA, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to resolve visa-related challenges. He directed that concrete measures be taken to facilitate SME participation in international exhibitions and conferences.
The SAPM also proposed establishing a dedicated facilitation desk for SMEs within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to streamline visa processing and address related concerns more efficiently.
Highlighting the prime minister’s vision, he reiterated that PM Shehbaz Sharif has directed all relevant institutions to actively promote the potential of SMEs at both national and international levels. He noted that, with adequate facilitation, ‘Made in Pakistan’ products have the potential to gain significant recognition at global exhibitions.
To ensure timely resolution, a committee comprising representatives from SMEDA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and TDAP has been formed. SMEDA has also been instructed to coordinate with commercial attachés in various countries to create more opportunities for Pakistani SMEs on international platforms.
Khan further directed that commercial attachés worldwide actively promote SME products and clusters at international conferences and exhibitions.He concluded that stronger global branding of ‘Made in Pakistan’ products would not only boost exports but also contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth.
