World MSME DAY. UNISAME DEMANDS ACTION

UNISAME (the Union of Small and Medium Enterprises) strongly demands practical interventions rather than mere policy discussions. The council insists the government move beyond routine seminars and deliver concrete support, specifically prioritizing affordable credit access, allocated industrial land, and relief from crushing utility tariffs.

Core Demands for the SME SectorAffordable Credit: Immediate single-digit financing windows to protect micro-businesses from soaring markup rates.

Land Allocation: Dedicated SME zones and industrial parks with subsidized utility connections.

Ease of Doing Business: Streamlined tax filing and a reduction in red tape for formalization.

The government and bodies like the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) have outlined three-year business plans, but local business advocates argue that without immediate legislative amendments, the sector will struggle to survive.

If you are an SME owner in Karachi, let me know:What is your biggest day-to-day challenge (e.g., electricity costs, bank loans, or raw material supply)?What specific industry do you operate in?

I can provide information on localized SMEDA desks and State Bank of Pakistan financing schemes that might offer relief.