The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) has commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for establishing a high-level committee for industrial revival. However, the organization expressed concern over the lack of representation from the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector in the committee.
President Zulfikar Thawor termed this omission a major flaw. He highlighted the current dynamism of medium-sized firms, especially compared to large corporations. He stated that these medium-sized entities play a crucial role in value-added production across the country.
Thawor speculated that the Prime Minister might not fully grasp the vast potential and established presence of this sector in Pakistan. He drew a comparison between the domestic investment commitment of the medium-sized sector and the capital flight seen among large industrialists. He emphasized the medium-sized sector’s enthusiasm for establishing new domestic projects.
UNISAME has consistently encouraged the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to actively support medium and upper-medium-sized businesses seeking to establish factories within the country. Thawor criticized the administration for overlooking this crucial sector. He pointed out the presence of legal and financial experts in the committee while representatives of medium or upper-medium-sized businesses are conspicuously absent.
Thawor appealed to the Prime Minister to immediately appoint a UNISAME representative to advise on industrial sectors, potential opportunities, and effective strategies. The Union Council (UC) members also advocated for establishing import-substitution businesses through joint public-private ventures.
The UC encouraged the Prime Minister to form a sub-committee, led by UNISAME and SMEDA, to promote the development of light engineering firms currently capable of producing imported goods. UNISAME had previously proposed manufacturing solar panels and drones for agricultural and commercial use, with technical assistance from China and in partnership with PCSIR and other reputable engineering institutions.
Thawor lauded the Prime Minister’s initiative in forming the revival committee but stressed the need to include experienced professionals with a thorough understanding of the existing challenges.