Austerity and ease in all sectors future of the economy.

Interview with Mr. Zafar Iqbal - Managing Director, SAI Group

PAGE: Tell me something about yourself, please:

Zafar Iqbal: I am Managing Director SAI Group, Founder President Defence Residents Society, Founder SAMEA, Founder Bazme Kiran and President Society for Promotion of Arabic.

PAGE: How was 2022 for small and medium enterprises in Pakistan?

Zafar Iqbal: The Year 2022 was full of struggle since Small and Medium Enterprises have been striving for survival. We all know the value of small and medium enterprises in the entire world. They are the engine of growth. There are around 5 million SMEs in Pakistan which contribute appropriately 40% of the GDP of our country and 25% in overall exports. After the agriculture sector, the SME sector provides employment to the highest percentage of the working population in the country.

PAGE: What is your standpoint on the energy sector of Pakistan?

Zafar Iqbal: The entire world has been grappling with the energy crisis and exorbitant costs during 2022. Due to the very high cost of fuel, electricity and rupee devaluation, it was...