LAHORE: Pakistan will host first ‘Made in Pakistan: SME Cluster Showcase Expo 2026’ – a landmark exhibition which aims to strengthen the country’s micro, small and medium enterprise ecosystem, expand market access and position SME clusters as a competitive pillar of the national economy.
The three-day (Jan 24-26, 2026) event will be organised by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) at Expo Center, Lahore.
“The expo is envisioned as a multi-year national platform that will evolve over time from product visibility and cluster recognition into structured B2B partnerships, subcontracting ecosystems, export readiness and global buyer linkages,” according to CEO SMEDA Nadia J. Seth.
Last week, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Industries & Production Haroon Akhtar Khan announced that a historic national-level SME Cluster Expo would be held at Lahore’s Expo Center from January 24 to 26 under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision to transform SME clusters into an organized, competitive and sustainable pillar of the national economy.
He emphasised that women-led enterprises and micro businesses would be given priority at the event aimed at enhancing market access, value-chain integration and export opportunities for MSMEs.
The CEO SMEDA says Pakistan’s SMEs form the backbone of economy and are concentrated in regional and sectoral clusters but most of them, especially women-led businesses and microenterprises, face challenges related to visibility, investment readiness and access to high-value domestic and international markets.
The ‘cluster showcase’ aims to bridge these gaps by providing a platform that will connect SMEs with corporate buyers, policymakers, investors, financial institutions and international stakeholders, she says.
She says the inaugural edition will establish Pakistan’s first national SME cluster exhibition baseline, promote local products and strengthen competitiveness in line with the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Over three days, it will combine a national exhibition with business matchmaking and policy dialogue, she adds.
SMEDA launches certification program to help Pakistani SMEs compete globally
As for the selection criteria, officials say, clusters and exhibitors related to agro-food and processing, textiles and handicraft, surgical instruments and light engineering, leather and leather products, furniture, marble and granite, ICT and services from all over the country are encouraged to participate and will be selected in a transparent manner. “SME exhibitors will be nominated by recognised trade bodies and must demonstrate quality, innovation or market readiness, with special preference and support for women-led and microenterprises,” say officials.
The program will have a high-profile opening ceremony, cluster-specific pavilions, exhibitor stalls, dedicated enclaves, expert panels and SME Awards Ceremony recognizing excellence and innovation, according to the plan.
SMEDA officials expect a robust participation of corporate buyers and procurement heads, government and regulatory stakeholders, financial institutions and development partners, foreign missions and trade attachés, as well as media, students and the general public.
