USC comprised 9 Zones, 65 regions, 130 warehouses and 3942 stores including 92 Franchises
INP
ISLAMABAD
The members of National Assembly Standing Committee on Industries & Production have expressed concerns over the performance of Small & Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA).
According to details, MNA Mr. Sajid Hussain Turi chaired the 3rd meeting of the Standing Committee on Industries & Production held in Committee Room No. 7 (4th Floor), Parliament House Islamabad on Tuesday at 11AM.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) SMEDA briefed the Committee about the vision and mission of the authority. He informed that Federal Government has decided in 1998 to promote and development of SMEs across the country through activities of Encouraging and Facilitating Growth & Development of SMEs.
He further expressed the mandate of SMEDA as per ordinance wherein, SMEDA was responsible for making policy and to provide over all planning relating to SMEs sector in Pakistan by protecting the interest of SMEs. He added that SMEDA was also providing assistance for establishing association of persons, firm company, body or corporate concerning SMEs in Pakistan.
The CEO said that SMEDA was functioning according to its vision i.e. “Growth of Globally Competitive SME sector, through a conducive environment and support services, serving as an engine of sustainable growth for national economy”. He also explained the mission of SMEDA and operational strategies such as developing sectors, clusters and facilitation of service.
Advisor to the Prime Minister/In-charge Ministry of Industries & Production, Mr. Abdul Razak Dawood informed the Committee that due to immense economic significance, SMEs in Pakistan were first recognized as a distinct segment at policy level, since the approval of the SME policy in 2007, various initiatives have been taken to promote SME growth in the country. However, rapidly changing business environment calls for a need to revise SME policy to bring the said sector in line with the global changes by setting objectives.
Abdul Razak Dawood further informed that currently, National SME policy was under developing process, which will be presented before the Minister in-charge on 11th April, 2019. The Committee recommended that new SME policy may also be shared with the Committee on its finalization.
Expressing their concern on the performance of the SMEDA, the Committee members were of the view that SMEDA should set its targets, while working on any project. They were also of the opinion that potential sector in the country should be identified before making feasibility. The Committee has shown its apprehension on the expenditures and outcome of the projects made by SMEDA.
The Committee recommended that SMEDA may be furnished a report on the achievements of their targets from June, 2017 to June, 2018 along with the details of business provided to women in furniture industry by the SMEDA. The Committee also recommended that details of the projects already initiated by the SMEDA in South Punjab (Multan, Rahim Yar Khan and Muzafargarh) along with the future strategy for southern Punjab may also be furnished to this Secretariat.
Managing Director, Utility Stores Corporation briefed the Committee about the infrastructure of USC. He informed that USC was established in 1971 as Private Limited Company under Companies Ordinance 1984, (now called companies Act, 2017).
