SME expo opens new paths for youth with jobs, skills, and startups

SME expo opens new paths for youth with jobs, skills, and startups

A national-level SME expo will open new paths for youth with jobs, skills, and startups. File photo

January, 2 2026

LAHORE (Web Desk): An SME expo will open new paths for youth by offering skills, jobs, and startup exposure through the “Made in Pakistan: SME Cluster Showcase 2026”.

A national-level Small and Medium Enterprise cluster expo titled “Made in Pakistan: SME Cluster Showcase 2026” will be held at the Lahore Expo Centre from January 24. The event is expected to bring strong learning and career benefits for young people across Pakistan.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan said the expo, held under the Ministry of Industries and Production, will be the first-ever national SME Cluster Exhibition organized by SMEDA.

He said the main goal of the expo is to improve market access, value-chain links, and export opportunities for micro SMEs. For youth, this means exposure to real businesses, products, and growth models.

The SAPM earlier chaired a meeting to review SMEDA’s progress on SME clusters. He repeated the government’s commitment to strengthening the MSME ecosystem under the vision of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

He said the Prime Minister wants SME clusters to become an organized, competitive, and sustainable part of the national economy, creating long-term opportunities for young workers and entrepreneurs.

Haroon Akhtar Khan said women-led enterprises and micro businesses will be given special priority at the expo, opening more doors for young women.

The three-day event will connect SMEs with corporate buyers, investors, exporters, policymakers, and development partners. This platform will help youth build networks and explore careers beyond traditional jobs.

Key sectors at the expo will include Agro-Food, Textiles, Handicrafts, Surgical Instruments, Leather, Furniture, and ICT. Activities will include product displays, business matchmaking, policy talks, and networking sessions.

Awards will also be given to top-performing SMEs to promote innovation and excellence.

The SAPM said the government will continue policy reforms and support to ensure SMEs remain central to economic growth and export-led development.

This expo gives youth real market exposure. It links learning with practical business needs. Networking can turn ideas into jobs or startups. Such events can shape future entrepreneurs.