‘MSME Clusters’ fair in Jan: Smeda board outlines initiatives to support SMEs

ISLAMABAD: The Board of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Smeda) on Tuesday announced that Pakistan will host the “Made in Pakistan MSME Clusters 2025” exhibition in January 2026.

The announcement was made during Smeda’s 35th Board meeting, chaired by Haroon Akhtar Khan, the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production.

During the meeting, several initiatives were outlined to support the development of the country’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

These include the launch of a dedicated e-commerce platform for women-led businesses, the deployment of specialized design teams for digital marketing of SME products, and facilitating access for Pakistani handicrafts to international trade fairs.

Additionally, the Board is working on finalizing cluster-specific business models to support SMEs in both urban and rural regions.

In line with the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Board also revealed plans for the “Made in Pakistan MSME Clusters 2025” exhibition, which will feature product displays, exhibition stalls, MSME awards, and panel discussions with national and international experts.

Khan emphasized that Pakistan’s SME clusters have “immense untapped potential” and added that efforts are underway to select the top 100 MSMEs for national awards.

In collaboration with D-8 member countries, a high-level panel of global and local experts will be formed to guide the exhibition. Invitations will also be extended to international partners and stakeholders. Prime Minister Sharif is expected to inaugurate the event.

Smeda officials further briefed the Board on a comprehensive business plan roadmap, developed with support from consultancy firm AT Kearney, which focuses on nationwide cluster development.

Khan added that a detailed SME Business Plan, addressing key challenges and opportunities, will soon be presented to the prime minister.

He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs through digital commerce and boosting exports through enhanced digital marketing.

The meeting was attended by Federal Secretary for Industries and Production Saif Anjum, acting chief executive officer (CEO) of Smeda Nadia J Seth, and senior officials from relevant government departments.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025