The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have signed a landmark Project Agreement to support and empower women entrepreneurs in Punjab.

The initiative, titled “Project for Capacity Enhancement of Women Entrepreneurs in the Informal Economic Sector in Pakistan,” marks a significant milestone in SMEDA-JICA collaboration.

The agreement was signed by Mr. Socrat Aman Rana, CEO SMEDA, and Ms. KOMAHASHI Rie, Head of Mission, JICA Pakistan Office. The five-year project (2026-2030) aims to develop and implement the Women Entrepreneurs Booster Package - a comprehensive support mechanism designed to accelerate business growth and build sustainable entrepreneurship among women in the informal economy.

A key feature of the initiative is the establishment of a multi-stakeholder forum, which will bring together public and private sector partners to jointly drive the development and promotion of the package. SMEDA will work with public and private sector to develop it into a key initiative for women entrepreneurship in Punjab.

Welcoming the JICA delegation, Mr. Socrat Aman Rana emphasized the project's critical role in fostering inclusive economic development. He expressed gratitude for JICA’s continued support, stating, “This initiative will not only uplift women entrepreneurs but also contribute significantly to our national economic objectives. We are confident that SMEDA, with JICA’s valuable collaboration, will achieve the desired outcomes.”

Ms. KOMAHASHI Rie expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, noting, “We are pleased to join hands with SMEDA in this pioneering initiative. While the project poses challenges, it represents a breakthrough opportunity to address barriers faced by women micro-entrepreneurs in Pakistan’s informal sector.”