Commerce Minister pledges stronger SME support, export diversification

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan said SMEs are the backbone of Pakistan’s manufacturing and a key priority for the government, during a meeting with the Gujranwala Small Chamber of Commerce.

The delegation raised challenges including high energy costs, taxation, access to finance, delays in sales tax refunds, and Red Sea disruptions affecting exports to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait. They urged exploring African markets and requested B2B meetings and trade delegations there.

The Minister noted Africa’s growing demand offers opportunities for Pakistan’s engineering, metal, home appliance and light manufacturing sectors. He said the government is expediting EXIM Bank financing and credit guarantees, and reviewing overlapping regulations to cut business costs.

Jam Kamal Khan also stressed automation, reverse engineering, product standardization and vendor development. He invited the Chamber to submit written recommendations for further action.