In a significant initiative to tackle visibility and market access challenges confronting the nation’s smaller enterprises, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) is set to hold the country’s first-ever national SME cluster exhibition, ‘Made in Pakistan: SME Cluster Showcase 2026’, from January 24 to 26 at the Lahore Expo Centre.
According to SMEDA CEO Ms Nadia Jahangir Seth’s information today, the three-day event is designed to bolster Pakistan”s micro, small and medium enterprise ecosystem. The initiative aligns with the Prime Minister”s SME development vision, which is being implemented under the leadership of SAPM Mr. Haroon Akhtar Khan and Secretary MoIP Mr. Saif Anjum.
Ms. Seth stated that the showcase is envisioned as a multi-year national platform intended to evolve from promoting product visibility to facilitating structured business-to-business partnerships, subcontracting networks, and global buyer linkages. She expressed hope the exhibition would expand market opportunities for SMEs and position them as a competitive pillar of the national economy.
“Pakistan’s SMEs form the backbone of the economy and are concentrated in regional and sectoral clusters but most of them, especially women-led businesses and micro enterprises, face challenges related to visibility, investment readiness and access to high-value domestic and international markets,” the SMEDA CEO explained. The expo seeks to bridge these gaps by connecting smaller businesses with corporate buyers, policymakers, investors, and financial institutions.
Organisers confirmed the event will combine a national exhibition with business matchmaking sessions and policy dialogue. The programme is scheduled to feature a high-profile opening ceremony, cluster-specific pavilions, dedicated enclaves for exhibitors, expert panel discussions, and an SME Awards Ceremony to recognise excellence and innovation.
Enterprises from across the country are being selected to participate through recognised trade bodies. The selection criteria focus on SMEs demonstrating quality, innovation, or market readiness, with a special preference given to women-led micro-enterprises. Sectors represented will include agro-food and processing, textiles and handicraft, surgical instruments, light engineering, leather products, furniture, marble, ICT, and various services.
SMEDA is working to ensure robust participation from a wide array of stakeholders, including corporate buyers, procurement heads, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, development partners, foreign missions, students, media, and the general public.