Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, chaired a meeting to address challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in accessing international markets.

Representatives from various SME clusters expressed concerns about visa delays, rejections, and pending applications that hinder Pakistan’s participation in global exhibitions.

In response, Akhtar emphasised the need for coordinated efforts among SMEDA, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to tackle these challenges. He proposed establishing a dedicated facilitation desk within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to streamline visa processing.

Highlighting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision, he noted that with proper support, “Made in Pakistan” products could gain international recognition. A committee has been formed to ensure the timely resolution of these issues, and SMEDA will work with commercial attachés to create more opportunities for Pakistani SMEs globally.

Akhtar concluded that enhancing global branding of “Made in Pakistan” products would boost exports and significantly contribute to economic growth.