EXPO Centre Lahore | January 24–26, 2026

The SME Expo 2026, organized by SMEDA in collaboration with the Ministry of Industries and Production, has powerfully highlighted the central role Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play in Pakistan’s economic future. With over 174 micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs showcasing products and innovations, the Expo demonstrated how SMEs can drive industrialization, employment, and export growth.

The exhibition brought together diverse SME clusters including automotive parts, light engineering, gems and jewellery, leather, agro-food, sports goods, marble, furniture, textiles, handmade crafts, and more. Strong backing from large organizations such as Pak Suzuki Motor Company Limited, HBL, Bank AL Habib, and Bank of Punjab reflected growing corporate confidence in Pakistan’s SME ecosystem.

Over three days, the Expo featured cluster-based pavilions, exhibitor stalls, B2B, B2G and B2I matchmaking sessions, policy dialogues, technical workshops, and an SME Awards Ceremony, transforming the event from a traditional exhibition into a strategic business and policy platform.

SMEs: The Backbone of Pakistan’s Economy

Pakistan’s economic resilience and future growth depend heavily on SMEs. These enterprises—driven by young, innovative, and highly meritorious entrepreneurs—have emerged as the country’s most dynamic economic force.

Today, SMEs employ nearly 25 million people and contribute approximately PKR 2.8 billion in exports, clearly proving that SMEs are not “small” in impact. They represent the backbone of Pakistan’s productive economy, with enormous untapped potential.

Yet unlocking this potential requires timely, practical, and bold policy interventions.

A recent lesson reinforces this reality. During the COVID-19 disruption, it was Pakistan’s SMEs that localized production, filled supply gaps, and maintained supply chains with limited resources but remarkable resilience. That same spirit of self-reliance now needs to be institutionalized through supportive industrial, financial, and trade policies.

A Shift Toward Cluster-Based Development

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, described the Expo as Pakistan’s flagship SME platform and a turning point in SME development strategy.

“The SME Expo showcases the strength, diversity, and export readiness of SME clusters nationwide, marking a shift toward cluster-based and data-driven development in line with the Prime Minister’s economic vision.”

He emphasized that SME clusters from Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan were included in consultation with chambers of commerce and trade bodies. Dedicated pavilions for women entrepreneurs and microenterprises further strengthened inclusivity.

From Display to Outcomes

SMEDA Chief Executive Officer Nadia Jahangir Seth noted that the Expo focused on results rather than exhibition alone.

“This marks a defining moment for Pakistan’s MSME sector by connecting entrepreneurs with markets, finance, and technology.”

She shared that SMEDA is developing a three-year business plan aimed at improving SME bankability, promoting digital literacy, empowering women entrepreneurs, and strengthening access to domestic and international markets.

The event also attracted foreign delegates from Malaysia, Azerbaijan, and Bangladesh, along with diplomatic missions from Kenya and Russia, signaling growing international interest in Pakistan’s SME potential. Support was reaffirmed by FPCCI, the Board of Investment, and participating financial institutions.

Industry Linkages and Localization

One of the strongest messages came from Mr. Hiroshi Kawamura, MD & CEO of Pak Suzuki Motor Company Limited, who highlighted the strategic importance of localization and SME-industry integration.

“For Pak Suzuki, localization has never been just about cost—it is the core of our mission. Supporting Pakistan’s middle and lower-middle class through affordable locally manufactured vehicles strengthens industry, creates jobs, and keeps value within the country.”

He stressed the need to connect SMEs with large industries to build sustainable local supply chains and long-term industrial capacity.

Empowering Women and Youth

Director SMEDA Aasia Saail emphasized the importance of empowering women and young entrepreneurs, while the Expo witnessed strong consumer interest, on-the-spot sales, and multiple business orders—proof of real market impact.

The Road Ahead

The success of SME Expo 2026 reflects a growing national realization: Pakistan’s future industrial growth will be built through SMEs, not imports alone.

Aligned with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of inclusive economic development, the Expo has laid the groundwork for stronger collaboration between government, industry, banks, and entrepreneurs.

With the right policy consistency, access to finance, cluster-based development, and export facilitation, Pakistan’s SMEs can transform from survival enterprises into global competitors—unlocking jobs, growth, and economic stability for decades to come.

Mashood Khan
Director – Mehran Commercial Enterprises
Expert Auto Sector / Former Chairman PAAPAM / Director – SMEDA