SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan Engages Chambers from AJK, Balochistan & GB to Accelerate SME Growth
Islamabad : Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, chaired a high-level meeting today with Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) clusters from Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). The meeting was attended by representatives from SMEDA, the chambers of commerce and industry of the three regions, and various SME stakeholders.
During the meeting, participants discussed in detail the regional challenges of SME clusters, particularly issues related to logistics, value addition, financing, and infrastructure gaps.
Representatives from the Gilgit-Baltistan Chamber highlighted that the region is rich in natural resources and its SMEs deserve special attention. They noted that shortage of warehouses and logistical constraints pose major challenges for business growth. They emphasized the need for SMEDA’s support in developing value-added products and establishing warehousing facilities. The chamber also pointed out the immense potential of GB in tourism, agriculture, and mining.
SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan directed SMEDA to work jointly with the GB Chamber to prepare a feasibility report on warehouse development. He further stressed that the State Bank of Pakistan must play a key role in improving access to finance for SMEs.
The Mirpur Chamber of AJK informed the meeting that Mangla Dam offers a promising opportunity to boost seafood exports, and SMEDA’s assistance is crucial in developing this potential. They also stressed the need for a Digital SME Program for AJK, and highlighted difficulties faced by local SMEs in accessing loan schemes. The chamber noted that AJK’s walnuts, honey, and apples enjoy high demand in international markets. They also emphasized the importance of providing skills to women entrepreneurs, particularly in fruit harvesting and startups.
SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan said that the government is working to establish single-window desks at the provincial level to facilitate SMEs. He reaffirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s SME Loan Scheme will be delivered to every eligible enterprise across the country. “SMEDA’s role is critical, and all directions of the Prime Minister will be fully implemented,” he stated.
He added that increasing tourism in AJK would significantly contribute to the national economy.
Representatives from the Balochistan Chamber highlighted the urgent need for government attention to the province’s olive sector, which has vast potential. SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan said that olive oil extraction and value addition can enhance both local and global market demand.
He directed SMEDA to maintain close coordination with all provincial departments to ensure effective support for SMEs.
Haroon Akhtar Khan emphasized that all stakeholders must fully support SMEs in Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and Balochistan. He informed the participants that an SME Expo is being organized, and all clusters should actively participate.
He further said that organic dates of Balochistan and organic wheat of Azad Jammu & Kashmir have huge potential in the international market. All chambers requested government support to promote Pakistan’s organic food sector and boost its export footprint.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
