Jam Kamal Reaffirms Support for SMEs, Pushes Regulatory Reforms to Boost Industrial Growth
Islamabad, July 27:Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment by streamlining regulations, strengthening industrial development, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and expanding Pakistan’s manufacturing sector.
He expressed these views during a meeting with a delegation of the Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries (ICSTSI), which discussed key challenges facing the SME sector, including taxation, industrial infrastructure, ease of doing business, business registration and export promotion.
The Minister said the government was undertaking institutional reforms and digitalisation initiatives to simplify business procedures and eliminate unnecessary regulatory barriers. He emphasised that outdated regulations and overlapping compliance requirements should be gradually phased out to encourage entrepreneurship and attract greater investment.
Jam Kamal highlighted ongoing efforts to introduce a more integrated business registration system, enabling entrepreneurs to complete regulatory formalities more efficiently before commencing commercial activities. He stressed that expanding Pakistan’s formal economy required a facilitative approach that encouraged voluntary registration instead of imposing additional compliance burdens on businesses.
The ICSTSI delegation pointed out that many small enterprises remained self-financed and hesitated to register due to complex procedures, frequent audits and high compliance costs. Responding to these concerns, the Minister said broadening the tax base through voluntary documentation, rather than increasing pressure on existing taxpayers, remained a key government priority.
The delegation also urged the establishment of dedicated industrial zones for SMEs in Islamabad, equipped with essential infrastructure, including electricity, gas, water and road connectivity. They noted that many small manufacturers currently operated from residential areas and informal workshops because of the high cost of setting up businesses in formal industrial estates.
Agreeing with the proposal, Jam Kamal said organised SME industrial zones would enhance productivity, improve product quality, strengthen environmental compliance and generate employment while supporting the growth of domestic manufacturing.
The meeting also reviewed opportunities in Pakistan’s rapidly growing food industry and the expanding role of e-commerce, digital platforms and delivery services. The Minister observed that the food and hospitality sectors had become important drivers of employment and economic activity, offering significant potential for future growth and exports.
