LAHORE: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting with SME clusters and Trade and Investment Officers (TIOs) from key countries to explore ways to enhance exports and expand the global footprint of Pakistan’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The meeting was attended by Trade and Investment Officers from China, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia and Hong Kong, along with Additional Secretary Industries and Production Asad Islam Mahni, SMEDA Chief Executive Officer Nadia J Seth, and representatives of SME clusters from across the country.
Addressing participants, Khan noted that SMEs have significant potential to export ‘Made in Pakistan’ products globally. He said sectors such as organic salt, honey and plastic products could substantially increase exports if properly facilitated by TIOs.
Khan further said household care and floor-cleaning products manufactured by Pakistani SMEs also have strong potential to compete in international markets. He stressed the key role of TIOs in creating business-to-business (B2B) opportunities and connecting Pakistani SMEs with global buyers.
He said the organisation of international expos and symposiums would give SMEs greater access to foreign markets and help them compete globally. Citing a success story, he noted that honey from Karak is already being exported to Malaysia.
The SAPM directed SMEDA and TIOs to actively create opportunities and facilitate SMEs in accessing international markets. He suggested that the Australian TIO, in coordination with SMEDA, could link Pakistan’s auto parts and honey sectors with Australian importers.
He also said the SME sector could tap into the electric vehicle parts manufacturing market through joint ventures, particularly with support from Chinese TIOs.He further directed SMEDA to provide training to SMEs in branding, product development and export techniques to enhance their competitiveness in global markets.
