LAHORE:

In line with the prime minister's vision of inclusive economic growth through grassroots entrepreneurship, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance (AIM) to improve access to finance, formalisation, and hand-holding of micro enterprises across Pakistan.

According to an official statement released on Saturday, the MoU was signed by SMEDA CEO Socrat Aman Rana and Akhuwat Foundation Founder and Chairman Dr Amjad Saqib, in the presence of Federal Secretary for Industries and Production Saif Anjum at the SMEDA head office.

Addressing the ceremony, Secretary MOIP Saif Anjum highlighted that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as the backbone of Pakistan's economy, play a critical role in driving resilience, employment, and innovation. He emphasised that micro enterprises are a top priority in the prime minister's economic agenda. He noted that a steering committee, headed by himself, had been constituted to address challenges faced by the MSME sector. As part of its efforts, the committee has also initiated a reorganisation of SMEDA to enhance its effectiveness in serving the SME sector.

"Today's MoU between SMEDA and AIM reflects the commitment of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan to empower MSMEs," he stated. He expressed hope that the collaboration would strengthen micro-financing and capacity building, helping to create a robust ecosystem for bridging financial gaps and promoting inclusion of micro enterprises in the formal financial landscape. He lauded SMEDA's contributions in training, advisory services, and advocacy, and praised AIM's efforts in promoting financial inclusion.

Earlier, SMEDA CEO Socrat Aman Rana welcomed the guests and outlined the objectives of the MoU. "This collaboration with Akhuwat is a concrete step toward realising the prime minister's dream of a robust and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem," he said. He stressed SMEDA's focus on strengthening micro enterprises through targeted capacity building and streamlined regulatory processes.

He acknowledged the role of the SAPM in facilitating the collaboration, citing his ongoing support for SMEDA's mission and advocacy for MSME development.

Sharing sector data, the SMEDA chief noted that microfinance now serves nearly 12 million active borrowers, supported by a gross loan portfolio of approximately Rs644 billion, reflecting a strong 13% year-on-year growth. Notably, 46% of borrowers are women, highlighting the sector's inclusive and gender-sensitive impact.

He added that the main areas of microfinance. trade and services (Rs144 billion), livestock and poultry (Rs164 billion), and agriculture (Rs138 billion), mirror the core of Pakistan's MSME ecosystem, especially in rural and semi-urban regions. However, he warned that access to formal finance remains a major hurdle for MSMEs, particularly in underserved areas. He termed the MoU a major breakthrough to bridge this financing gap and unlock Pakistan's entrepreneurial potential.

Speaking at the event, AIM Chairman Dr Amjad Saqib expressed confidence that the collaboration would enhance micro enterprises' access to finance through AIM's nationwide network. He acknowledged the vital role of micro enterprises in poverty reduction and employment generation, and hoped the partnership would contribute meaningfully to national economic growth.