‘Expo Faisalabad 2026’ a springboard for MSMEs: SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan

LAHORE -- Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a robust and competitive ecosystem for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). 

Speaking at “Expo Faisalabad 2026”, being held from July 24 to 26 at the Expo Center, Lahore, he emphasized that the sector remains central to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s vision for sustainable economic growth, industrial development and export promotion.  

He said Pakistan has militarily shown its prowess to the world and it's time to show economic resilience and development. 

He appreciated the efforts of the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI) for organizing the exhibition. 

“Faisalabad is the industrial and textile heart of Pakistan and a major contributor to our exports and manufacturing sector. Platforms like Expo Faisalabad create valuable opportunities for entrepreneurs to showcase their products, build business partnerships and explore new markets,” he said. 

The SAPM said the government has placed special emphasis on improving access to finance, promoting business formalization, enhancing exports and creating an enabling environment where entrepreneurs can innovate, invest and expand their businesses.

He appreciated SMEDA’s proactive engagement with the business community and its efforts to connect entrepreneurs with government support programmes through exhibitions and outreach activities across the country.

Earlier, CEO SMEDA Nadia Jahangir Seth said the Authority remains committed to supporting entrepreneurs through strategic partnerships and market-driven interventions. 

“SMEDA believes that exhibitions such as Expo Faisalabad are powerful platforms for connecting entrepreneurs with opportunities, knowledge and government support services. Its participation reflects the commitment to promoting business formalization, improving competitiveness, facilitating market access and strengthening Pakistan’s MSME ecosystem through sustained engagement with the private sector,” she emphasized. 

SMEDA has established a dedicated helpdesk where entrepreneurs and visitors are being briefed on the flagship initiatives, government support programmes and business development services. The helpdesk is also facilitating free registration of informal enterprises through the SME Registration Portal (SMERP), enabling businesses to formalize their operations and benefit from enhanced opportunities for growth, financing and market access.

As part of its capacity-building programme, SMEDA is conducting sessions on “Marketing Strategies for SMEs” and “Improving Product Quality for Export Markets”, equipping entrepreneurs with practical knowledge to improve competitiveness and strengthen their presence in domestic and international markets.

Expo Faisalabad 2026 has brought together leading manufacturers, exporters, investors, entrepreneurs and business support organizations to showcase Faisalabad’s industrial excellence and create new avenues for trade, investment and business collaboration.