KARACHI, Feb 10: The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (Unisame) has urged the multinational companies to give franchise to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to enable them generate employment.

A list of feasible trades which could be taken up by SMEs with the assistance of banks and financial institutions has been forwarded by the Unisame to the ministry of production and industries.

The idea behind this programme is to give a wake-up call to the people who are looking for jobs as a lot of opportunities are around them.

The financial institutions with abundant liquidity are also looking for investment opportunities and seeking guidance from the representatives of SMEs.

The Unisame has cited an example that if Bata can generate employment by allowing franchise to SMEs, therefore, why not other multinational companies.

By giving franchise to SMEs on soft terms on such trades like modern bakery, laundry, restaurant, beauty parlour, physiotherapy clinic, stores for footwear, utility stores, flower shops, automobile workshops, photo studios, petrol pumps many unemployed youth will get the opportunities to earn their livelihood.

There is also urgent need to bring about an agricultural revolution through farm financing on modern lines and urged the financial institutions to encourage and invest in modern farming systems.

The Unisame has appealed to the feudal lords not to block the progress of the small farmers and not to create hurdles in the way of small and medium size land owners who wish to enhance their activities as this is the best opportunity for the development of agriculture sector.

Zulfikar Thaver convener Unisame said that it is pertinent to note that the union recommends modern and latest technology for such ventures where state of art could be seen to meet the future challenges.