KARACHI, April 07, 2026 – A high-level delegation from Muslim Commercial Bank (MCB) met with Mr. Azhar Ali Dahar, Director General of the Engineering & Minerals Development Division (EMD-I), at the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Headquarters to forge a strategic roadmap for the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector.
The high-profile meeting, chaired by Mr. Azhar Ali Dahar, focused on bridging the financial divide for small-scale exporters to accelerate national economic growth and job creation.
Distinguished Delegation & Sectoral Focus
The MCB delegation featured a specialized team of senior leadership:
- Mr. Syed Waqas Kaleem (Division Head – Wealth Management, Lahore)
- Mr. Umair Nizam Shaikh (Department Head South – Institutional Business Department)
- Mr. Hamza (Regional Head – Karachi Region)
- Mr. Shahid Saleem (Branch Manager – General Society)
During the session, Mr. Arshad Rahim (Consultant Pharma, TDAP) delivered an in-depth briefing on Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector, highlighting its regulatory framework and immense export potential.
Overcoming Barriers to Expansion
Mr. Azhar Ali Dahar underscored that SMEs are the definitive backbone of export diversification. He advocated for a robust partnership with financial institutions to dismantle traditional growth barriers, such as:
- High borrowing costs and limited access to finance.
- Stringent collateral requirements and documentation hurdles.
- Sector-specific needs within the engineering, minerals, and pharmaceutical industries.
Innovative Financial Solutions
In a move to modernize trade finance, both TDAP and MCB agreed to develop a suite of specialized tools, including:
- Tailored SME Financing: Customized products designed to help small businesses scale operations.
- Corporate Payroll Systems: Advanced digital payroll solutions from MCB to streamline operations for the corporate sector.
- Advisory & Literacy: Joint awareness sessions and facilitation desks to guide the SME community.
The meeting concluded with a mutual pledge to strengthen institutional coordination and implement a practical roadmap aimed at enhancing the contribution of SMEs to Pakistan’s global export footprint.
