Business activities, institutional development, innovation, and the creation of employment opportunities are essential for strengthening Pakistan’s economy. These views were expressed by Khawaja Yasir Qayyum, President of the Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), while addressing a seminar organized in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to mark the International MSME Day.
Khawaja Yasir Qayyum said that close collaboration between the Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) could play a vital role in expanding business opportunities in the region. He emphasized that all stakeholders must work together to promote innovation, generate employment opportunities, and achieve inclusive economic growth to help strengthen Pakistan’s economy.
He added that while SMEDA’s contribution to national economic development is widely recognized, the Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry is equally committed to working alongside SMEDA to facilitate business growth and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Speaking on the occasion, Ghulam Haider, Regional Operations Manager of SMEDA, said that under the Ministry of Industries and Production, SMEDA continues to support the business community through business development services, advisory support, policy assistance, access to finance, cluster development, export promotion, and capacity-building programs.
He stated that Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises are the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, playing a crucial role in employment generation, innovation, and sustainable economic growth. He further noted that SMEDA is strengthening these sectors by promoting close cooperation between the public and private sectors and providing an effective platform for dialogue and support to the business community.
The seminar was also addressed by former SCCI President Mirza Fazal-ur-Rehman, Khawaja Abid Rafique, Mirza Mukhtar Ahmed, and Standing Committee Chairman Hassan Goga, along with other speakers. They appreciated SMEDA’s efforts, stating that such seminars provide valuable guidance to entrepreneurs and contribute significantly to strengthening the local business ecosystem.
During the interactive session, participants highlighted several key challenges faced by businesses in the district, including limited access to financial facilities, business registration and documentation issues, export promotion, regulatory challenges, digitalization, and other local concerns. Participants were also given the opportunity to present recommendations aimed at improving the business environment and enhancing the competitiveness of local enterprises.
The speakers noted that International MSME Day is observed annually under a United Nations resolution to recognize the significant contribution of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises to sustainable development and economic progress.
At the conclusion of the seminar, SMEDA Regional Operations Manager Ghulam Haider presented commemorative shields to the President of the Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other distinguished participants. Office-bearers and members of the Women Chamber of Commerce also attended the event.
In his closing remarks, Mian Muhammad Imran, Senior Vice President of the Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and Industry, thanked the visiting SMEDA officials and members of the business community. He reaffirmed that the Chamber would continue to collaborate with SMEDA and all relevant organizations committed to promoting business and economic development in Sargodha.
Following the seminar, office-bearers of the Chamber and members of the business community also shared their views, acknowledging and appreciating SMEDA’s valuable role in supporting entrepreneurship and business development.
