ICCI hosts SMEs conference

ICCI President said that SMEs are the backbone of the economy

PHOTO: EXPRESS

ISLAMABAD:
The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) in collaboration with USAID Small Medium Enterprise Activity (SMEA), the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), and Bank Alfalah organised a workshop on SME-financing to highlight its importance for the country.

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Speaking on the occasion, USAID SMEA SME finance specialist Anum Imtiaz Illahi, said the organisation has launched a five-year SME project of $35 million that will improve financial performance targeting six sectors.

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Bank Alfalah Regional Manager Credit Zohair Ismail highlighted numerous schemes that facilitate SMEs including Karobar, Milkiat, Merchant Line and Fleet Finance. “The bank is providing many non-financial services to improve the financial inclusion of SMEs.”

The share of SME financing in private sector credit is just 6-8%. The SBP has targeted 17% share by 2020.  Speaking at the occasion, ICCI President Sheikh Amir Waheed said that SMEs are the backbone of the economy as they represent over 90% of total business entities. 

Published in The Express Tribune, May 10th, 2018.

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