SME Expo to Be Held from January 24–26 at Expo Centre Lahore
Islamabad — Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Haroon Akhtar Khan, addressed a press conference today, highlighting the government’s economic direction, with a strong focus on the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Haroon Akhtar Khan stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s economy is moving in the right direction towards stability and sustainable growth. He emphasized that SMEs are the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, playing a critical role in employment generation, production, and exports.
He reiterated that the government has placed SMEs at the center of national development, with a clear priority to ensure that economic policies reach every district and every small business across the country. Consultations with SME clusters nationwide have been completed, and a comprehensive SME policy has been formulated with representation from all provinces and regions.
Highlighting inclusivity, Khan noted that women entrepreneurs are an integral part of the government’s economic strategy. Practical work has already begun on the National Women Entrepreneurship Policy, ensuring access to funding, training, and markets for women-led businesses. He emphasized that women’s economic empowerment is a guarantee of Pakistan’s economic strength.
The SAPM announced that the “Made in Pakistan SME Cluster Showcase Expo 2026” will be held from January 24 to 26, 2026, at the Expo Centre Lahore. He described the event as Pakistan’s national platform for small businesses, featuring over 30 SME cluster pavilions and participation from 174 representatives. Special pavilions are being established for women entrepreneurs and micro businesses.
Khan further stated that banks and financial institutions will participate in the Expo, providing SMEs with direct access to finance. International delegates from Azerbaijan, Kenya, and Malaysia will also attend, enhancing global exposure for Pakistani SMEs.
He explained that the primary objective of the SME Expo is to connect SMEs with banks, buyers, and investors, while supporting the government’s priority of building an export-led economy. The Expo, he said, is a practical manifestation of the Prime Minister’s economic vision and not merely an exhibition, but a showcase of Pakistan’s economic potential.
The public will be able to purchase quality Pakistani products and place business orders at the Expo, while all provinces and regions will present their economic capabilities under one roof.
Concluding his remarks, Haroon Akhtar Khan stated, “When SMEs are strong, Pakistan is strong.”
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
