The Board of Directors of Small Medium Industrial Leasing Estates (Pvt) Ltd (Smile) has submitted an 'executive summary' to Sindh Board of Revenue (BoR) which states that the small and medium enterprises sector comprises majority of industrial sector, and plays a vital role in boosting and developing the economy of Pakistan. Hence, it merits government support.
'Smile' directors stated that promotion of the sector was directly linked with development of industry, export, employment and the overall national economy. Therefore, the Federal Government and the Provincial Governments have given it top priority.
The directors of Smile said that old associates of SME sector, who have contributed to its development at various forums both in the Federal and the Provincial Governments, have established 'Smile' with the following aims and objectives:
Promote the small and medium industries sector; Facilitate small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to set up industries, warehouses and commercial centres; Create jobs for SMEs on self-employment basis; Build industrial estates with complete infrastructure; Arrange commercial property leasing with leasing companies; Arrange for loans for SMEs to purchase land on 'pay as you earn' scheme; Find opportunities for retired and skilled persons to enable them to set up industries; Interact with a) Smeda, b) PCSIR, c) Engineering Development Board, d) Pakistan Standards National Quality Control Authority and National Productivity Organisation (NPO); Arrange feasibility's and transfer of technology for SMEs; and Promote agro based industries.
The summary said that with the rising prices of land in Karachi, the SMEs cannot afford to procure land in Site, North Nazimabad, Korangi, and even in Hawkes Bay area. The SMEs need land, at concessional rates, to set up industries. Therefore, Smile has decided to set up industrial estates for SMEs in places where it would be affordable and yet very convenient in terms of location ie nearness to port and highways, so that raw material/inputs can reach at lowest price.-PR