Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries

13/08/2026

SMEDA Organizes SME Financing Helpdesk at ICSTSI to Facilitate MSMEs’ Access to Finance

ISLAMABAD, August 06, 2026: The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), in collaboration with Mobilink Microfinance Bank Limited (MMBL) and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Regional Office Islamabad, organized an SME Financing Helpdesk at the Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries (ICSTSI) to facilitate its member Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in accessing formal financing facilities.

The initiative was organized under the “One Day One Bank” concept, providing SMEs with an opportunity to directly interact with the participating bank, discuss their financing requirements, understand available financing products and submit loan applications for further processing.

The event was attended by President Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries Muhammad Awais Satti, Senior Vice President Sheikh Tayyab Saeed, Vice President Sardar Zaheer Ahmed, Former President Malik Nadeem Akhtar, and Sher Muhammad, Tariq Khokar former vice president ICSTSI who represented the Chamber. SMEDA Regional Manager Asghar Khan was also present along with representatives of SMEDA, MMBL and SBP.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chamber leadership appreciated SMEDA, MMBL and SBP for organizing the financing helpdesk at ICSTSI and providing its members with direct access to financial institutions. They emphasized that improved access to finance is essential for the growth, expansion and sustainability of small businesses and SMEs.

The Chamber representatives highlighted that small traders and entrepreneurs often face difficulties in accessing formal financing due to documentation requirements, limited awareness of available financial products and other procedural challenges. They said that initiatives such as the SME Financing Helpdesk can help bridge these gaps by bringing financial institutions directly to the business community.

Representatives from SMEDA, MMBL and SBP briefed participating members on available financing facilities, eligibility criteria, required documentation and the loan application process. A total of 39 participants representing different MSMEs attended the session, while 25 loan applications were submitted by ICSTSI members to MMBL for business expansion, working capital and investment requirements.

The Chamber leadership stressed the need for continued coordination among government institutions, banks, business organizations and other stakeholders to create a more supportive environment for MSMEs. They noted that easier access to finance can help small businesses expand their operations, generate employment, improve competitiveness and contribute more effectively to economic growth.

The successful organization of the helpdesk at ICSTSI reflects the Chamber’s commitment to facilitating its members and connecting the small business community with relevant government institutions and financial service providers. Such collaborative initiatives, the participants observed, can play an important role in strengthening the SME sector and promoting sustainable business growth in Pakistan.

27/07/2026

22/07/2026

A delegation of the Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries (ICSTSI) called on the Federal Minister for Commerce, Mr. Jam Kamal Khan, to discuss key issues confronting small traders and Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The ICSTSI delegation comprised Acting President / Senior Vice President Sheikh Tayyab Saeed, Vice President Sardar Zaheer Ahmed, Chairman Founder Group Saqib Taj Abbasi, Former President Malik Nadeem Akhtar, and Secretary General Ms. Bushra Khan.

During the meeting, the delegation highlighted the challenges faced by the business community and emphasized the need for practical measures to promote the growth and development of the SME sector. As a gesture of respect and appreciation, the Chamber’s delegation presented a commemorative shield and bouquet to the Honorable Federal Minister.

The meeting was held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to continued cooperation for strengthening Pakistan’s SME sector and supporting the country’s economic growth.

18/07/2026

President of the Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industries (ICSTSI), Mr. Muhammad Awais Satti, along with Vice President Sardar Zaheer Ahmad, proudly participated in the Saudi Company Formation & Business Expansion Summit 2026, organized by Al Raee Group in Islamabad.

The summit provided a valuable platform to explore investment opportunities, company formation procedures, foreign ownership policies, and the business landscape in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030.

ICSTSI remains committed to fostering international business partnerships and creating new avenues for Pakistani entrepreneurs and the small business community.

15/07/2026

ICSTSI Hosts NUST Students for Baithak School Network's Summer Internship Orientation

The Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industries (ICSTSI) proudly hosted the Orientation Program for Baithak School Network's Summer Internship, welcoming talented students from NUST to begin a journey of learning, leadership, and social impact.

The program featured an inspiring keynote on the importance of education by renowned motivational speaker *Muhammad Bin Ashraf*, along with insightful addresses by *Ms. Asma Faiz, Vice President, Baithak School Network*, *Mr. Imran Hadi, Member Management Committee*, and the *Shaikh Tayyab, Senior Vice President of ICSTSI*. The event concluded with a heartfelt *dua* by *Rao Javed Akhtar, Vice President, Pakistan Business Forum*.

The session reflected a shared commitment to empowering youth, fostering leadership, and creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation.

01/07/2026

Empowering the Next Generation of Business Leaders! 🚀

The Sustainable Development Committee of the Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries (ICSTSI) successfully organized an impactful Awareness Session for Young Entrepreneurs today at the Chamber Secretariat.

🔑 Key Highlights:

Mr. Muhammad Awais (President, ICSTSI) shared the Chamber's vision for supporting local trade and explained how young startups can easily secure ICSTSI membership to unlock growth, networking, and legal advocacy.

Mr. Sher Muhammad (Chairman, Sustainable Development Committee) briefed participants on the committee’s active role in driving financial inclusion, digital transitions, and easing the regulatory compliance burden for SMEs.

Mr. Muhammad Asghar Nasir (Guest Speaker, SMEDA) provided a comprehensive roadmap on SMEDA’s powerful ecosystem, highlighting free business pre-feasibilities, expert training programs, and startup helpdesk advisory services.

ICSTSI remains deeply committed to fostering a sustainable, resilient, and well-connected business community in Islamabad.

29/06/2026

Islamabad: The Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries (ICSTSI), in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), organized an SME Networking Session to mark World MSME Day 2026. The session was chaired by President Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries, Mr. Muhammad Awais Satti, alongside Chief Executive Officer SMEDA, Ms. Nadia Jehangir Seth. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Mr. Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Industries and Production. The event was attended by Federal Secretary for Industries Humaira Zia M***i, Usman Saifullah, representatives of chambers of commerce, entrepreneurs, and SMEs from across the country.

Haroon Akhtar Calls SMEs Driving Force of Pakistan’s Export-Led Growth

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, said that nations which empower entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and innovators ultimately emerge as global economic leaders, stressing that Pakistan’s future prosperity depends on strengthening the SME sector.

Addressing the World MSME Day 2026 ceremony, he said the government is committed to achieving export-led economic growth through the development of SMEs, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He noted that SME financing has witnessed significant progress, with financing reaching Rs. 584 billion by March 31, while 53 percent of businesses received enhanced financial support, leading to industrial expansion and job creation.

He said the government has launched initiatives worth Rs. 30 billion to promote SMEs, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has placed special emphasis on strengthening the sector by ensuring easier access to finance, land, taxation reforms, improved ease of doing business, and resolution of issues related to the State Bank of Pakistan.

“Every great economy has a story of entrepreneurs. Those who create jobs are the true builders of nations,” Haroon Akhtar said, adding that entrepreneurs bring prosperity through innovation, determination, and hard work.

Paying tribute to Pakistan’s entrepreneurs, innovators, and business dreamers, he said the country possesses immense entrepreneurial talent in every province, while women entrepreneurs are playing an increasingly important role in economic development and deserve greater encouragement and opportunities.

Highlighting the contribution of SMEs, he said Pakistan has around seven million SMEs, contributing nearly 40 percent to the country’s GDP, around 30 percent of exports, and employing nearly 80 percent of the non-agricultural workforce.

He said SMEDA is actively working to strengthen the SME ecosystem by improving access to finance, promoting the formalization and documentation of businesses, and enhancing their competitiveness in domestic and international markets.

Haroon Akhtar emphasized that the formalization of businesses is essential, as registered enterprises can easily obtain bank financing and benefit from government support programmes.

He said the government is connecting Pakistani SMEs with international markets through digital platforms and has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Alibaba to facilitate online exports and e-commerce opportunities.

He added that Pakistani SMEs are also being encouraged to participate in regional and international trade expos, while efforts are underway to facilitate visa access for exporters. Outreach programmes have also been expanded to Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to connect regional industrial clusters with national and global markets.

Referring to Pakistan’s export potential, Haroon Akhtar said the country’s handmade products, furniture, honey, sports goods from Sialkot, and other traditional industries possess enormous value in international markets and require greater institutional support.

He further announced that the government will provide SMEs with better liquidity, easier financing, tax facilitation, land availability, and regulatory reforms to improve the overall business environment.

Speaking on the occasion, President Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries, Muhammad Awais Satti, said SMEs contribute nearly 40 percent to Pakistan’s GDP and around 35 percent to national exports, making them the backbone of the country’s economy.

He stressed the need to reduce the cost of doing business, improve the ease of doing business, ensure affordable energy prices, simplify documentation procedures, and address issues relating to labour laws, the Capital Development Authority (CDA), and access to finance.

Awais Satti called for maintaining interest rates at single digits to facilitate business expansion and appreciated SMEDA’s continued support for the SME sector.

He also noted that the Islamabad Chamber was Pakistan’s first dedicated SME Chamber and that similar chambers have now been established in around 20 cities across the country, reflecting the growing importance of the SME sector in Pakistan’s economic landscape.

29/06/2026

World MSME Day 2026 – National TV Coverage

Alhamdulillah, the World MSME Day event, organized by the Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, received national television coverage.

The event was chaired by Mr. Muhammad Awais Satti, President of the Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries, alongside Ms. Nadia Jehangir Seth, CEO of SMEDA. The Chief Guest, Haroon Akhtar Khan, addressed the gathering and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering Pakistan’s MSME sector, recognizing its vital role in economic growth, entrepreneurship, innovation, and employment generation.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all distinguished guests, stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and participants who contributed to making this event a great success.

Together, we continue to strengthen Pakistan’s MSME ecosystem and build a more prosperous future.

28/06/2026

President Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries (ICSTSI), Mr. Muhammad Awais Satti, had the honor of presenting a souvenir to Mr. Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Industries and Production, during the SME Networking Session organized by ICSTSI in celebration of World MSME Day.

The event brought together stakeholders from the SME sector to discuss opportunities, challenges, and collaborative initiatives aimed at strengthening small and medium enterprises, which play a vital role in Pakistan’s economic growth and employment generation.

ICSTSI remains committed to supporting SMEs through advocacy, networking, and meaningful engagement with policymakers to foster a stronger and more resilient business community.

28/06/2026

Islamabad, June 27: President of the Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries (ICSTSI), Muhammad Awais Satti, presented commemorative souvenirs to the Presidents of various Chambers of Commerce and Industry including Mr Usman Shaukat President Rawalpindi chamber of commerce and industries, Sardar Tahir Mehmood President Islamabad Chamber of commerce and Industry Miss Samina Fazil President Islamabad women chamber of commerce and industry who participated in the Networking Session on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), held in connection with the celebration of International World MSME Day.

The event was organized by the Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries (ICSTSI) in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), bringing together chamber leaders, business representatives, policymakers, and SME stakeholders from across Pakistan to promote collaboration and strengthen the country’s small business ecosystem.

Speaking on the occasion, President Muhammad Awais Satti appreciated the active participation of the chamber presidents and emphasized that networking among chambers is essential for creating new business opportunities, exchanging knowledge, and addressing the common challenges faced by micro, small, and medium enterprises.

He stated that MSMEs are the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and deserve continued policy support, innovation, and stronger institutional collaboration. He also thanked SMEDA for its partnership in organizing the World MSME Day celebrations and reaffirmed ICSTSI’s commitment to working closely with all chambers and relevant stakeholders to promote entrepreneurship, industrial development, and sustainable economic growth.

The souvenir presentation ceremony symbolized unity, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to advancing the interests of Pakistan’s MSME sector through collective efforts and strategic partnerships.