PESHAWAR
Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry demanded the government to take proactive steps for development and facilitation of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Speaking during a session on “Theory of Change regarding SMEs” organized by Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA) here at local hotel on Wednesday, SCCI Senior vice president Abdul Jalil Jan emphasized that government and institutions need to adopt such policies which would assist SMEs and strengthening and stabilize them on sustainable grounds.
Only a peaceful and favorable environment can flourish small-scale business and industry, SCCI senior office bearer remarked.
Abdul Jalil Jan mentioned joint collaboration between SCCI, Smeda and other relevant departments for uplift of the small and medium sector in the province.
He added they have gained remarkable achievements through this collaboration.
SCCI SVP pointed out various hurdles and problems of SMEs, especially difficulty in provision of soft loans from commercial banks.
He was of the view that commercial banks are reluctant to improve lending ratio in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Abdul Jalil Jan highlighted the role and importance of SMEs in economic growth, provision of employment, poverty alleviation and rural development.
Senior office bearer asserted that the document process should be simplified and to ensure provision of soft loans to SMEs on priority basis.
Abdul Jalil Jan called for elimination of double-taxation, and stop imposition of heavy fines and harassment of the business community.
He also demanded electricity and gas should be ensured uninterrupted to business hubs and industries in the province.
