SMEDA joins hands with PAAPAM for Pakistan Auto Show 2026

LAHORE -- The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) has joined hands with the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) as a ‘strategic partner’ for the 21st Pakistan Auto Parts Show (PAPS) 2026. 

SMEDA’s collaboration is a continuation of its efforts to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in line with the strategic direction set by the Ministry of Industries and Production and the Board of Directors to achieve national economic objectives. 

The auto show is scheduled to be held from September 18 to 20, 2026 at the Expo Centre, Lahore.  

Haroon Akhtar Khan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production, presided over a meeting to discuss SMEDA’s collaboration with PAAPAM. Secretary MoI&P Saif Anjum, SMEDA Board members, CEO Nadia Jahangir Seth, Pak Suzuki head Hiroshi Kawamura and representatives of the association participated in the meeting. 

SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan said the government was committed to transforming Pakistan into a competitive manufacturing economy by empowering MSMEs and strengthening industrial value chains. 

“Pakistan’s automotive industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience and potential. Platforms like the Pakistan Auto Show play a vital role in promoting local manufacturing, encouraging innovation and attracting investment,” he said. 

He said the upcoming event should be a “grand global show” with a focus on B2B, MoUs and joint ventures for a meaningful contribution to the economy. He directed the constitution of a committee to be led by the private sector to draw up a plan to make it a historic event. 

Mr Khan directed SMEDA to fully support PAAPAM and conduct meetings with embassies and MSMEs to ensure effective matchmaking in the event. 

“We are committed to providing MSMEs with greater market access, stronger business linkages and opportunities to integrate into regional and global value chains,” emphasised the SAPM. 

Secretary MoI&P Saif Anjum said the event should aim to provide market exposure to local auto part manufacturers for linkages with global competitors. He said SMEDA, PAAPAM, TDAP and EDP should collectively work to achieve the objectives of the event. 

In a statement, CEO Nadia Jahangir Seth said SMEDA considered the automotive sector one of Pakistan’s most dynamic industrial segments with tremendous potential for SME-led growth. 

“A number of MSMEs form the backbone of Pakistan’s auto parts and engineering industry. Through this strategic partnership with PAAPAM, SMEDA aims to provide these enterprises with a platform to showcase their capabilities, build strategic partnerships, adopt modern technologies and explore new domestic and international business opportunities,” she explained. 

Welcoming SMEDA as strategic partner, convener PAPS 2026 Salman Saleem said the collaboration would further strengthen the exhibition’s objective of showcasing Pakistan’s automotive industry to the world. 

“We are pleased to have SMEDA on board as strategic partner for PAPS 2026. Its support will significantly enhance SME participation and reinforce our collective efforts to promote indigenous manufacturing under the 'Make in Pakistan' vision,” he said. 

He said a symposium would be held on Sept 19 on the sidelines of the event and it would help make a roadmap for future.