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ISLAMABAD, Dec 18 (APP):Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan on Thursday assured the Chaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry of full government support for the development and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Chaman.
He gave this assurance during a meeting with the Chaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) while discussing the issues faced by local businesses and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Chaman, a news release said.
The meeting was attended by Additional Secretaries from the Ministry of Industries and Production and Chief Executive Officer of SMEDA Nadia J. Seth, which extensively deliberated on the challenges confronting SMEs in Chaman and the need for targeted federal support.
Representatives of the Chaman Chamber highlighted that with a population of nearly one million, and its strategic importance due to commerce, transport, and cross-border trade, Chaman has the potential to emerge as a major SME hub.
The Chamber called for the inclusion of the Chaman Industrial Zone in all federal industrial schemes and support programs,
besides it emphasized the urgent need for vocational and technical training centers to develop skilled manpower for industrial activities.
It shared proposals for the establishment of a government-supported Common Facility Center (CFC) to enable industries to utilize shared machinery, as well as the creation of an Export Facilitation Desk in Chaman.
It also sought support for the development of agro-processing and cold chain industries to strengthen local value chains and enhance export potential.
During the meeting, Haroon Akhtar shared Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s vision for the promotion and empowerment of SMEs, stating that the Prime Minister has directed facilitation and uplift of every SME across the country.
Acknowledging the vital role of the Chaman Chamber in cross-border trade, he assured that the Chamber would be included in all relevant development programs and committees.
Haroon Akhtar announced establishing a Technical and Vocational Training Center with the support of SMEDA and the Pakistan Industrial and Technical Assistance Centre (PITAC),
He expressed confidence that a Common Facility Center at the Chaman border would significantly benefit SMEs operating in the region.
He added that the government was already working on agro-processing and cold chain projects, and Chaman would also be included in these initiatives.
Emphasizing SMEDA’s critical role, he directed the organization to facilitate the Chaman Chamber and ensure tangible results.