LAHORE, Oct 18 (APP):Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) Chief Executive Officer Mian Kashif Ashfaq has said the prime minister’s target of increasing financing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to Rs2.2 trillion by 2028 would help accelerate economic growth, create jobs and promote business development across the country.
According to a spokesperson here on Sunday, he said the business community was the backbone of the national economy, while the SME sector had immense potential to generate employment and contribute to sustainable economic development. He stressed the need to empower people in underdeveloped areas to discourage migration to urban centers and promote balanced regional development.
Welcoming the recent memorandum of understanding signed with global e-commerce company Alibaba, Mian Kashif said the initiative aimed to train 10,000 people associated with SMEs over two years. He also appreciated the proposed establishment of an artificial intelligence-based helpline to provide business information and guidance in local languages.
He urged the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to establish offices across the country to facilitate entrepreneurs’ access to advisory services, financing opportunities and business support. He also called for a comprehensive awareness campaign to guide aspiring entrepreneurs on securing business loans, preparing viable business plans and developing an entrepreneurial mindset.
Emphasizing the importance of modern skills, Mian Kashif urged federal and provincial information technology departments to expand training opportunities, particularly for young entrepreneurs and women, enabling them to establish competitive businesses and strengthen the SME sector.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
