Joint Session Marks International MSME Day in Hyderabad
Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (HCSTSI) and the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA) co-organized a session at the Chamber Secretariat to commemorate International Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day. The event brought together business leaders, government officials, and stakeholders to discuss the sector's contributions and challenges.
Acting President Highlights SME Backbone Role
In his welcome address, Acting President Ahmed Idrees Chohan noted that International MSME Day is observed annually on June 27 worldwide, recognizing the sector's exceptional services in economy, employment, innovation, and social development. He stated that approximately 90 percent of businesses in Pakistan are small and medium enterprises, forming the backbone of the national economy, industrial development, exports, and employment promotion.
Chohan emphasized that Hyderabad holds immense industrial and trade potential, but the business community faces challenges related to capital, energy, modern technology, market access, and business registration. He stressed that collective efforts are needed to resolve these issues. He welcomed the strong partnership between HCSTSI and SMEDA, noting that both organizations are working together to register businesses, encourage young and women entrepreneurs, provide business training, and connect SMEs to national and international supply chains.
Vice President Emphasizes Chamber's Mentorship Role
Vice President Shan Sehgal stated that the Hyderabad Chamber not only represents traders and industrialists but also plays a vital role in guiding, mentoring, and developing new entrepreneurs, youth, and emerging businesses. He termed the strong partnership between HCSTSI and SMEDA as extremely beneficial for the business community. Through this collaboration, various activities such as training programs, awareness seminars, business consultancy, capacity building, and creation of new business opportunities are being organized, which are fully utilized by business people, especially youth and new entrepreneurs.
Sehgal urged every new entrepreneur to become a member of the Hyderabad Chamber, as membership provides strong representation, access to government and private institutions, business information, involvement in policy making, training opportunities, trade delegations, exhibitions, networking, and other facilities. These resources play a vital role in the sustainable growth and success of any new business.
SMEDA District Officer Outlines Support Programs
Ahsan Abro, District Officer of SMEDA Hyderabad, highlighted the importance of World MSME Day. He explained that SMEDA, established under the Ministry of Industries and Production, plays an effective role in developing micro, small, and medium enterprises across the country, promoting the business environment, and encouraging new entrepreneurs. SMEDA has supported thousands of entrepreneurs through business planning, advisory services, training programs, policy support, access to financial facilities, business registration, export promotion, cluster development, capacity building, and provision of modern business information.
Abro noted that with SMEDA's guidance and technical assistance, new investors have established successful businesses, many of which have made their mark at national and international levels. He emphasized that SMEDA's aim is not just to start businesses but to make them sustainable, competitive, and compatible with modern requirements so they can become part of local and global value chains. He urged the business community to fully utilize SMEDA's facilities, training programs, and business development services to formalize their businesses, adopt modern technology, and play an effective role in national economic development.
Diverse Stakeholders Participate
The event saw participation from representatives of various universities, including Sindh Agriculture University Tanda Jam, Shaheed Allah Bakhsh Soomro University Jamshoro, Patron-in-Chief of Hyderabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMA), National Incubation Center (NIC), various banks, trade and industrial institutions, and other relevant stakeholders. Former presidents, members of the executive committee, conveners of standing committees, and esteemed chamber members also attended, offering useful views and suggestions regarding MSME sector development, improvement of the business environment, and promotion of institutional cooperation.
