UNISAME URGES HAROON AKHTAR SAPM FOR FAST TRACK SME AGENDA
Nov 22, 2025 |
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The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) being much disappointed by the slow uplift measures has invited the attention of Haroon Akhtar the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Shehbaz Sharif that the small to medium sized sector (SME) needs more attention than what it is presently getting to overcome the challenges facing the sector.
President UNISAME Zulfikar Thaver said it is high time the government realizes that the SMEs need land at concession and under pay as you earn scheme, affordable finance, affordable energy, global marketing support , technical help for modernization and productivity, tax benefits, facilities for ease of doing business and last but not the least measures for reducing cost of doing business.
Thaver said there is no doubt that the SAPM is working round the clock on reforms and is leaving no stone unturned to put the system in gear but the best agenda which could bring about fast track uplift would be to focus on the requirements of the sector as identified by UNISAME and to meet the requirements as fast as possible.
The Union Council members have urged the SAPM to allot land which is lying idle in the outskirts to entrepreneurs on concession and under pay as you earn scheme for setting up import substitution industries.
Secondly the monetary policies must have special affordable mark up rates for SMEs.
Thirdly the government must comprehend the fact that their present solar and renewable energy policy is not encouraging as it is favouring the energy
distributors rather than the entrepreneurs who have installed or planning to install the solar systems.
Fourthly the Union has time and again requested for a business portal similar to the renowned Alibaba for free global marketing support to the entrepreneurs for worldwide exposure and marketing of their wares.
The UNISAME experts emphasized that there is a technological gap and the sector needs transfer of technology from advanced countries who are inclined like China and Korea. SMEDA can also arrange collaboration and joint ventures under CPEC from China.
Needless to say that there is no incentive for the newcomers and those SMEs who need handholding to start ventures.
There is need for tax exemption or reduced taxation for beginners during their initial years.
The Union chief summarizing the requirements said the SMEs need support, help, facilities, incentives and motivation to meet global challenges and the government must seriously aim at rapid fast track measures to give the majority sector jump start rather than going to do agenda and end the year with nothing much done.
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