The 35th Board meeting of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) was held today, chaired by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries & Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan.
The meeting was attended by Federal Secretary for Industries & Production Saif Anjum, Acting CEO SMEDA Nadia J. Seth, and senior officials from relevant departments.
In line with the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Board announced that “Made in Pakistan MSME Clusters 2025”—a landmark national exhibition—will 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 emphasized 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 further informed that, in collaboration with D-8 member countries, a high-level panel of global and local experts will be constituted for the exhibition. Invitations will also be extended to international partners and stakeholders. SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan shared that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will inaugurate the national SME exhibition.
SMEDA officials briefed the Board that a comprehensive business plan roadmap has been prepared with support from A.T. 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:
• Launch of a dedicated e-commerce portal for women-led enterprises,
• Deployment of specialized designer teams for digital marketing of SME products,
• Facilitating global trade fair access for Pakistani handicrafts, and
• Finalization of cluster-specific business models across Pakistan.
SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan added that a detailed SME Business Plan, highlighting challenges and opportunities, will be presented to the Prime Minister. He reaffirmed that enabling women entrepreneurs through digital commerce and boosting exports through enhanced digital advertising remain top government priorities.
