SMEDA gears up to connect SMEs with Japan’s B2B platform

LAHORE: The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) has entered into collaboration with Japan’s Organisation for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation (SMRJ) to help Pakistani small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in joining ‘J-GoodTech’ - an online B2B platform.

The initiative marks another step in SMEDA’s internationalizsation drive aimed at helping Pakistani enterprises move beyond domestic markets and become part of global value chains. Through the platform, Pakistani SMEs will have opportunities to explore distributorship agreements, receive orders from Japanese buyers, establish joint ventures and pursue technical collaboration with companies across a global network.

Officials say the collaboration reflects SMEDA’s renewed emphasis on connecting Pakistani businesses with international markets and technology partners. “The initiative aims to create avenues for SMEs to expand their customer base, strengthen capabilities and participate in cross-border commercial opportunities,” they added.

Under the arrangement, interested enterprises will complete a registration form, accessible through SMEDA website, developed in line with SMRJ’s requirements. The SMEDA will scrutinize the submitted applications before forwarding eligible cases to SMRJ for the creation of company profiles on the platform, they explained.

According to the SMEDA, the initiative is expected to give particular attention to sectors such as advanced manufacturing, medical equipment and eco-technology whereas outreach will remain open to enterprises across all sectors of the economy.

The collaboration forms part of SMEDA’s broader drive under which it is pursuing partnerships and discussions with international development institutions, technology platforms and business networks to expand opportunities for Pakistani SMEs. These include recent collaborations with Alibabab.com and JICA and engagements with counterparts in Russia, Uzbekistan and Malaysia.

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