RCCI observes World MSMEs Day

Rawalpindi
The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), in collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan Banking Services Corporation Rawalpindi observed Micro Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Day. The theme of the day was ‘MSME Finance: Catalyst for Inclusive Growth’ aimed to acknowledge the vital role of MSMEs in inclusive economic growth, employment generation and poverty reduction.
President RCCI Saqib Rafiq, along with Group Leader Sohail Altaf, extended a warm welcome to the Chief Guest, Javed Afzal- Provincial Chief Punjab SMEDA.
In his opening remarks, Saqib Rafiq highlighted the critical role of MSMEs in economic growth and shared insights on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. He said that the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the backbone of inclusive growth and development, have the potential to contribute to half a dozen of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in particular poverty reduction, jobs creation, competitiveness enhancement and productivity of industry and trade etc.
Javed Afzal- Provincial Chief Punjab SMEDA in his address appreciated RCCI for highlighting the importance of SMEs and its supporting role of advocacy.
Ansar Iftikhar Butt Chief Manager of the State Bank of Pakistan in his remarks highlighted the SBP role in facilitating SMEs for easy financing.
Several leading banks, including Bank Al Habib Limited, Al Baraka Bank, Meezan Bank, Muslim Commercial Bank, Allied Bank, and BankIslami Pakistan Limited, First Women Bank set up informative stalls to provide valuable information and resources to MSMEs. A cake cutting ceremony was also held to mark the World MSME day.
Vice President Faisal Shahzad, Former Presidents Raja Amer Iqbal, executive committee members and other distinguished members of RCCI, Ms. Safia Hammad, Deputy Chief Manager SBP, and Mr. Muhammad Waqar Hussain, Sr. Officer – FISD-RWP, also attended the event.