ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Industries and Production to organise a two-day national-level SME cluster expo titled “Made in Pakistan: SME Cluster Showcase 2026” at the Lahore Expo Centre from January 24 to 26, 2026. Following the finalisation of the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) plan, the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, announced this on Friday. He also chaired a meeting with the officials of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA). The meeting focused on reviewing the progress on issues faced by SME clusters while debating the pros and cons of the recently finalised plan for the sector. Haroon Akhtar Khan reviewed the progress report submitted by SMEDA regarding key challenges and action points related to SME clusters. He reiterated the government’s strong commitment to strengthening the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) ecosystem in line with the vision of the government. This will be the first-ever national SME Cluster Exhibition organised under the SMEDA. He stated that the Prime Minister’s vision is to transform SME clusters into an organised, competitive, and sustainable pillar of the national economy. The primary objective of the Expo is to enhance market access, value-chain integration, and export opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises across Pakistan. The SAPM emphasised that women-led enterprises and micro businesses will be given special priority at the Expo. He highlighted that the event will serve as a dynamic platform connecting SMEs with corporate buyers, investors, exporters, policymakers, and development partners. The three-day Expo will feature participation from key sectors, including Agro-Food, Textiles, Handicrafts, Surgical Instruments, Leather, Furniture, and ICT. In addition to product showcases, the event will include business matchmaking sessions, policy dialogues, and networking opportunities. To promote innovation and excellence, awards will also be conferred on outstanding SME performers across various sectors. SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan reaffirmed the government’s resolve to address SME challenges through continuous engagement, policy reforms, and targeted support mechanisms, ensuring that SMEs play a central role in Pakistan’s economic growth and export-led development. He noted that longstanding challenges such as limited access to credit, climate change impacts, and low productivity will be addressed on a priority basis through this plan. Haroon Akhtar Khan reaffirmed that under the direct supervision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the government is working relentlessly to uplift SMEs and strengthen their role in national economic development. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026