May 14, 2003	Wednesday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 11, 1424

KARACHI, May 13: The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and Union of Small & Medium Enterprises (Unisame) have agree to find a uniform definition for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Presently there is no specific definition for SMEs which could be used while dealing with government departments, financial and banking sector.

In a meeting held between Unisame delegation headed by its convener Zulfikar Thaver and KCCI office bearers who were led by acting president Mohammad Saleem Kapadia here on Tuesday, it was transpired that both sides would work together for the SMEs under the Chamber’s jurisdiction.

Issues and problems confronting SMEs were identified by both the sides. It was noted that there was a lack of co-ordination between various government agencies dealing with SMEs, particularly the financial institutions.

Therefore, it was stressed that there was urgent need of complete and proper coordination between all such institutions who are responsible for implementing SME projects.

The Unisame convener hoped that the forthcoming budget would carry some provisions that would be helpful for the growth and expansion of Small & Medium Enterprises in the country.