SAPM Haroon forms committee to fast-track SME visa, export facilitation

ISLAMABAD, Apr 2 (APP):Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan on Thursday chaired a meeting on SMEDA clusters and the challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in accessing international markets.

Among others, the meeting was attended by the Additional Secretary for Industries and Production Asad Islam Mahni, CEO SMEDA Nadia J Seth, representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of various SME clusters.

During the meeting, representatives of SME clusters expressed serious concerns over visa-related issues faced while participating in international exhibitions.

They highlighted that visa applications of SME representatives were often delayed, rejected, or remain pending, which hampered Pakistan’s effective representation at global platforms and limits the exposure of Pakistani products.

Addressing the concerns, Haroon Akhtar Khan stressed the need for coordinated efforts among SMEDA, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to resolve visa-related challenges.
He directed that concrete measures be taken to facilitate SMEs in participating in international exhibitions and conferences.

The SAPM also proposed the establishment of a dedicated facilitation desk for SMEs within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to streamline visa processing and address related concerns efficiently.

Highlighting the Prime Minister’s vision, Haroon Akhtar Khan reiterated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed all relevant institutions to actively promote the potential of SMEs at both national and international levels.

He noted that with proper facilitation, “Made in Pakistan” products have the potential to gain significant recognition and attention in global exhibitions.

To ensure timely resolution of these issues, a committee comprising representatives from SMEDA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and TDAP has been formed.

Additionally, SMEDA has been instructed to coordinate with commercial attachés in various countries to create more opportunities for Pakistani SMEs on international platforms.

Haroon further directed that commercial attachés across the world to actively promote SME products and clusters in international conferences and exhibitions.

He was of the view that enhanced global branding of “Made in Pakistan” products would not only boost exports but also contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth.