By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: The Pakistani delegation has returned home after achieving remarkable success at the world’s first-ever Global SMEs Summit held in Davos, Switzerland. The summit brought together renowned experts in SME development, policymakers, government officials, business leaders, investors, and diplomats from across the globe.
The summit highlighted the crucial role of SMEs in economic growth, the challenges they face—particularly in developing countries due to limited access to advanced technology—along with the need for investment, financing opportunities, and strategies to integrate SMEs into global markets.
Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Industrial Sewing Machines Importers and Dealers Association (PISMIDA), Muhammad Yasin, who represented Pakistan at the event, said upon return that international delegates strongly emphasized that small and medium enterprises are not only the backbone of economic growth but also play a key role in job creation.
He said the summit focused on moving beyond traditional approaches toward digitalization, financing access, and expansion of SMEs in global markets. Delegates urged policymakers to ensure a business-friendly environment for SMEs so they can play an effective role in the changing global economy.
While terming Pakistan’s private-sector participation in the summit a great success, Yasin expressed concern over the lack of preparation by Pakistani embassies, which could have secured wider benefits for the country.
He revealed that the Pakistani delegation held detailed meetings with ministers, policymakers, diplomats, and investors from various countries, which would be utilized to strengthen future collaborations. “We are committed to bringing SME-related organizations and associations in Pakistan on board to translate these linkages into tangible growth for SMEs,” Yasin added.
The Pakistani delegation also hoisted the national flag on the congress hall stage of the summit venue and chanted “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans, proudly representing the nation.
Yasin thanked Global SMEs Business Home President Anis Khan and Pakistan Country Head Amna Ahmed Raza for inviting Pakistan to this extraordinary global event, which he said would certainly yield long-term benefits for the country.
He further informed that meetings were also held with venture capitalists from Europe and the Gulf region, where they were encouraged to invest in different projects in Pakistan. “If our diplomats had played a proactive role, results could have been achieved more swiftly and effectively,” he concluded.
