Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today directed the State Bank to implement measures aimed at simplifying the loan procedures for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and the agricultural sector, signalling a major government push to unlock credit for key economic drivers.
Chairing a high-level meeting on loans in the capital today, the Prime Minister identified facilitating access to finance for the private sector, particularly for SMEs and small-scale farmers, as a paramount government priority.
The initiative is intended to enable these sectors to acquire modern technology, thereby boosting productivity and innovation.
Mr Sharif specifically emphasised that financial credit should be provided on a priority basis to service providers to encourage and promote advancements within the agricultural domain.
To further this agenda, the Prime Minister has instructed Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, in collaboration with the SMEDA team, to visit all provinces, including Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK.
Their mission is to formulate a comprehensive policy designed to facilitate the operations of small and medium-sized businesses throughout the country.
In a related directive, the Prime Minister also called for the provision of entrepreneurship training for the nation’s youth, aiming to foster the launch of new businesses and stimulate wider economic activity.