The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) visited ORIC of MUST, Mirpur AJ&K to discuss Avenues for collaboration in Entrepreneurship Development

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) has taken a major step in Azad Kashmir by establishing its District Office at the Mirpur Chamber of Commerce & Industry. This new setup will make it easier for local entrepreneurs, businesses, and institutions to access SMEDA’s services and expertise. Following this development, a delegation including Ch. Rukhsar Ahmad (SMEDA Gujrat) and Mr. Muhammad Hamza (Assistant Director, SMEDA Mirpur) visited the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), Mirpur University of Science & Technology (MUST). They were warmly welcomed by Prof. Dr. Faisal Riaz (Director ORIC), Engr. Irfan Jamshed (Manager Research Management), and Ms. Samina Kousar (Manager Innovation & Commercialization).

During the meeting, both sides discussed avenues for collaboration in entrepreneurship development, SME support programs, and initiatives to empower youth and strengthen industry–academia linkages. The guests were later hosted at a luncheon, marking the beginning of this new partnership. The establishment of SMEDA’s Mirpur Office promises to bring lasting benefits for the region by connecting business, academia, and industry more closely than ever before.