National SME exhibition set for January 2026

The 35th board meeting of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Smeda) was held on Tuesday, chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries & Production Haroon Akhtar Khan.

In line with the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the board announced that "Made-in-Pakistan MSME Clusters 2025" – a landmark national exhibition – would be held in January 2026. The event will feature product displays, exhibition stalls, MSME awards, and multiple panel discussions featuring national and international experts.

SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan emphasised that Pakistan's SME clusters hold "immense untapped potential," and highlighted that deliberations are underway for the selection of the top 100 MSMEs for national awards.

The board informed meeting participants that, in collaboration with D-8 member countries, a high-level panel of global and local experts would be constituted for the exhibition. Invitations will also be extended to international partners and stakeholders. Khan shared that PM Sharif would inaugurate the national SME exhibition.

Smeda officials briefed the board that a comprehensive business plan had been prepared with support from AT Kearney, focusing on nationwide cluster development. Cluster-wise business plans are being developed for both urban and rural regions.

The board announced key initiatives, including the launch of a dedicated e-commerce portal for women-led enterprises, deployment of specialised designer teams for digital marketing of SME products, facilitating global trade fair access for Pakistani handicrafts, and finalisation of cluster-specific business models across Pakistan.