SMEDA, PSW join forces to boost digital trade for SMEs
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts for a pivotal panel discussion on "Digital Trade Facilitation for SMEs" in Lahore. The event explored ways to strengthen digital trade capabilities for Pakistan's SMEs, identifying key challenges and opportunities.
The panel featured distinguished speakers and the discussion focused on the barriers SMEs face in accessing global markets and how digital solutions can ease trade processes, reduce costs, and enhance competitiveness.
A key highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SMEDA and PSW, marking a strategic collaboration to integrate SMEs into the global trade ecosystem. The MoU aims to simplify trade procedures through digital solutions, offering SMEs and women entrepreneurs access to market intelligence, data analytics, and resources tailored to their export needs. By promoting e-commerce adoption, this partnership seeks to empower SMEs to tap into international markets and bolster Pakistan's export performance.
Reaffirming PSW's commitment to digital trade, Aftab Haider, CEO of PSW, stated that the partnership with SMEDA is a vital step in simplifying and digitising trade processes, particularly for SMEs. By leveraging PSW's digital platform, the initiative will foster greater inclusivity and transparency, reduce trade barriers, and enhance the contribution of SMEs to national economic growth.
Nadia Jahangir Seth, GM Policy & Planning at SMEDA, highlighted the MOU's role in supporting women entrepreneurs. The collaboration prioritises women-led businesses, ensuring they have access to digital trade tools that enhance their market competitiveness. By addressing traditional trade barriers, SMEsparticularly women entrepreneurswill be seamlessly integrated into the global marketplace.
The event attracted a diverse audience, including policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry representatives, all committed to advancing SME digitalisation.