small and medium-sized enterprises

Kenya has urged small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to invest in workforce development as a sustainable solution to address the country's growing youth unemployment crisis.

World Bank President Ajay Banga is in Mexico to advance a new Country Partnership Framework (2026-2030) aligned with Mexico's economic strategy, focusing on competitiveness, human capital, and SME support. The framework aims to boost sectors like agriculture and manufacturing through initiatives such as the AgriConnect program and mobilize private investment.

The Hong Kong Shopping Festival, organized by the Trade Development Council, is expanding into the ASEAN region for the first time, starting with Singapore and Malaysia, to support Hong Kong's small and medium-sized enterprises. The third edition of the festival, launching next month, has attracted a record number of local brands in its mainland China and ASEAN editions.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the formulation of a comprehensive strategy to enhance small and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs) access to financing, emphasizing collaboration with the State Bank of Pakistan and commercial banks. He also highlighted support for farmers processing agricultural produce, dedicated financial products for SMEs, and assistance for young and women entrepreneurs.

Bank lending to UK businesses has fallen to its lowest level in nearly 30 years due to weak economic growth and tighter regulatory requirements, particularly impacting small and medium-sized enterprises.