LAHORE:

In a landmark step towards data-driven policymaking, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Smeda) and Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) formally launched field operations for the National SME Survey at a ceremony held at the PBS office in Lahore, which coincided with the World MSME Day.

Senior leadership from both organisations attended the event and emphasised the critical importance of the SME Survey in shaping the future of Pakistan’s economic landscape.

In his speech, Smeda CEO Socrat Aman Rana highlighted that SMEs were the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, contributing 40% to the national GDP, 31% to total exports and generating nearly 78% of total employment.

He underscored that despite their pivotal role, the lack of reliable and comprehensive data has historically hindered the development of effective, targeted SME policies.

PBS Chief Statistician Naeemuz Zafar remarked that the survey was being undertaken in a phased manner and was designed to cover strategic sectors of SMEs.