09 February 2005	Wednesday	29 Zilhaj 1425

PESHAWAR, Feb 8: The establishment of a small and medium enterprise development council under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz is under consideration to monitor and concentrate on the SME sector.

Officials of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (Smeda) said that apart from the SME council, the creation of a technological advancement of fund and legislation to promote the SME sector was also under study in the upcoming national SME policy.

Speaking at a press conference here on Tuesday, Smeda chief executive officer Shahab Khwaja said the preparation of SME policy was being pursued at fast pace in the fulfilment of government's endeavours to organize and promote the SME sector.

"SMEs hold key to boost exports, earn foreign exchange and overcome poverty by creating self-employment," said Mr Khwaja. He said the country could effectively overcome its pressing issues of poverty and unemployment by facilitating and promoting SMEs.

In this respect, he added, a comprehensive policy was being laid out under which opportunities and appropriate business environment would be created for SMEs.