KHALID ABBAS SAIF

FAISALABAD: Pakistan has to encourage and bring 3.2 million SMEs in the mainstream of national exports in order to strengthen national economy. However, in this connection Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) has to play its pivotal role by extending awareness, guidance and facilities to the potential exporters, Acting President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI), Syed Zia Alamdar Hussain said this while addressing a training programme organized by SMEDA on import and export procedures and documentations at FCCI on Friday.

He said, “Faisalabad growth is also linked with the development of SME sector and now this city is contributing six billion dollars towards the total national textile exports of 13 billion dollars.”

He said that 3.2 million small and medium industrial units are working in Pakistan. Out of these 30 percent are manufacturing value added products while its share in total exports is about 25 percent.

Similarly, its share in GDP is also calculated at 30 percent, he said and added that SME sector was also providing jobs to the 78 percent workforce of Pakistan. He appreciated the training programme launched by SMEDA and urged the participants to fully avail from this facility which will help them to double their income by making exports to the traditional as well as non-traditional markets.

The function was also attended by Manager Legal Services SMEDA, Muhammad Arif, Ejaz Ahmed, Bilal Afzal and Dr Habib Aslam Gaba.

Special lectures on import, export procedure were also delivered while Jameel Ahemd, Vice President FCCI distributed certificates among the participants of the training programme.

Muhammad Arif, Manager Legal Services SMEDA presented a special memento to Acting President FCCI Syed Zia Alamdar Hussain.