ISLAMABAD, Sept 14: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said the small and medium businesses serve as an engine of growth and play a significant role in promoting the economic activities.Talking to a delegation of Attock Chamber of Commerce and Industry here on Friday, the premier said the government had given numerous incentives for the development and promotion of the SMEs.

He said free trade and competition had become the rule of the game and added that induction of better technology to improve the quality of the products was essential to develop skills and adopt the international best practises.

The prime minister said that for business expansion the SMEs can borrow money from the SME Bank at affordable rates.

He assured the delegation that every possible measure would be taken for improving socio-economic conditions in Attock. “The industrial estate being established there will give a boost to the local industry and trade,” the premier added.

The delegation lauded the government efforts for ensuring provision of goods through utility stores and demanded opening of more stores in the Attock district.