Pakistan is preparing to host its first-ever “Made in Pakistan-SME Cluster showcase Expo-2026” in Lahore later this month, an event that has already secured participation from international delegations aiming to strengthen the nation”s small and medium enterprise sector.
According to a statement today, the three-day exhibition, scheduled from January 24 to January 26 at the Lahore Expo Centre, is an initiative of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) under the guidance of the Ministry of Industries and Production (MOIP).
In a recent preparatory briefing, SMEDA Chief Executive Officer Ms Nadia Jahangir Seth informed Federal Secretary for Industries and Production Saif Anjum that official delegations from Azerbaijan, Malaysia, and Tajikistan are confirmed to attend. She added that diplomatic missions from several other countries have also expressed significant interest in visiting the showcase.
Over 200 small and medium enterprises (SMEs), representing more than 30 industrial clusters from across the country, are slated to participate. The exhibitors, spanning sectors such as agro-food and processing, textiles, surgical instruments, light engineering, leather, furniture, marble, and gems and jewellery, were chosen through a transparent selection process managed by certified trade bodies.
Secretary Anjum stated that the expo”s primary objective is to bolster the country”s micro, small, and medium enterprise ecosystem. The event aims to expand market access and establish SME clusters as a competitive pillar of the national economy, aligning with the Prime Minister’s SME development vision.
The government”s commitment is underscored by the direct supervision of the arrangements by the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, and Secretary Anjum. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to inaugurate the landmark event.
A distinguishing feature of the expo will be its focus on fostering business-to-business partnerships, subcontracting opportunities, and connections with global purchasers. The programme will also include dialogue sessions, discussions, and an awards ceremony to recognise the contributions of SMEs to Pakistan”s economic growth, with a special emphasis on women-led enterprises and micro-businesses.
Organisers anticipate a robust attendance, including corporate buyers, procurement heads, regulatory officials, financial institutions, and members of the foreign diplomatic corps, who are expected to visit the SME cluster pavilions throughout the three-day exhibition.