The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) has launched the SME Certification and International Accreditation Grant Program to support SMEs in covering the costs associated with certification and accreditation.
According to SMEDA officials, the small and micro level enterprises operating in the informal sector also need to bring themselves into the formal sector to avail of the incentives and facilities offered by the government for reaching out to the international markets.
SMEDA management has assured that the program will be implemented in a fully transparent manner, with applications processed strictly on a first-come, first-served basis to empower SMEs with the internationally recognised certifications to enhance global competitiveness and boost exports.
Under this program, the start-ups and women entrepreneurs are especially encouraged to apply, as SMEDA has made the application process both convenient and transparent. SMEDA has also made expert consultancy available for SMEs to seek guidance to become export-ready, improve processes and strengthen their businesses to contribute meaningfully to national economic growth.
To achieve the objectives of the initiative, SMEDA is also educating SMEs about the benefits of international compliance and export development through awareness campaigns and seminars.
In Pakistan, there are around seven million small and medium economic establishments in the country, contributing 40 per cent to GDP, creating 78pc of non-agriculture employment and generating 30pc of exports. Yet most Pakistani SMEs operate on a very small and undocumented scale with limited access to finance and international trade opportunities.
In order to bridge the gap and make Pakistani SMEs globally competitive, SMEDA is supporting the SMEs through several initiatives, including the current training grant programs. The entrepreneurs interested in availing of the said program can apply through the SMEDA website or the SME Registration Portal free of cost.
