Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, reaffirmed the Government of Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, describing it as the backbone of the national economy and a central pillar of the government’s economic transformation agenda.
Addressing the World Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day 2026 ceremony, the SAPM said that every great economy is built upon the courage, resilience and innovation of entrepreneurs. He emphasized that Pakistan’s approximately 7.14 million MSMEs constitute the country’s largest productive force, contributing nearly 40 percent of GDP, 30 percent of exports, and providing employment to more than 80 percent of the non-agricultural workforce.
Haroon Akhtar Khan said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan is pursuing an ambitious economic reform agenda anchored in industrialization, innovation, export-led growth and private sector development. He noted that MSME development occupies a central place in this national vision aimed at building an economy that is export-oriented, innovation-driven, globally competitive and inclusive.
The SAPM highlighted that the future of global competitiveness will be shaped by artificial intelligence, digital transformation and innovation, stressing that nations embracing technological advancement and entrepreneurship will emerge as future economic leaders. He said the government is creating an enabling business environment that rewards enterprise, supports innovation and provides equal opportunities to entrepreneurs across all regions of the country.
Sharing encouraging progress in access to finance, Haroon Akhtar Khan stated that according to the State Bank of Pakistan, SME financing increased from Rs. 584 billion to nearly Rs. 854 billion as of March 31, 2026, reflecting an annual growth of 46 percent. Similarly, the number of SME borrowers rose by 53 percent, exceeding 312,000 businesses. He described these achievements as evidence of growing confidence in Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
He further announced that the Government has established a dedicated Rs. 30 billion SME Development Fund to support innovative and transformational initiatives aimed at enhancing enterprise competitiveness, expanding exports and accelerating sustainable economic growth.
Highlighting the pivotal role of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), the SAPM said the organization is implementing a comprehensive three-year business plan focused on improving access to finance, promoting business formalization, facilitating international certifications, strengthening export readiness, accelerating digital transformation and integrating Pakistani enterprises into regional and global value chains.
Haroon Akhtar Khan underscored the government’s strong commitment to women entrepreneurship, stating that women are making remarkable contributions to Pakistan’s economy by creating businesses, generating employment and fostering innovation. He noted that Pakistan’s first-ever National Women Entrepreneurship Policy and Action Plan, developed by SMEDA, is expected to benefit more than 3.2 million women entrepreneurs nationwide through improved access to finance, technology, markets and business development services.
The SAPM also highlighted the government’s focus on promoting climate-resilient industries, circular economy initiatives and digital enterprises to ensure sustainable industrial development. He stressed that Pakistani MSMEs possess the talent, resilience and determination to compete successfully in international markets.
“Pakistan’s economic future will not be written in government offices alone. It will be shaped in our factories, workshops, technology hubs, farms and millions of small businesses across the country,” Haroon Akhtar Khan remarked. He called upon all stakeholders to work collectively towards building an ecosystem where innovation flourishes, investment expands and entrepreneurship becomes the driving force behind national prosperity.
Earlier, Nadia Jahangir Seth, Chief Executive Officer of SMEDA, highlighted the organization’s ongoing initiatives under its three-year Business Plan, including business formalization through the SME Registration Portal, export readiness programmes, international certification support, digital transformation and climate-smart enterprise development. She reaffirmed SMEDA’s commitment to making Pakistani MSMEs more competitive, bankable and globally connected.
Representatives of chambers of commerce, trade associations, development partners, women entrepreneurs, business leaders and MSMEs from across the country participated in the event and appreciated the government’s continued focus on strengthening Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
As part of World MSME Day 2026, SMEDA organized awareness sessions and stakeholder engagements across major cities of Pakistan to promote entrepreneurship, enhance business competitiveness and expand outreach to the MSME community.
