SMEDA, LCCI discuss MSME development measures to commemorate World MSME Day

LAHORE, Jun 27 (APP): Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), in collaboration with Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), organized a stakeholder engagement session here Saturday to commemorate World MSME Day 2026.

The event brought together MSMEs, entrepreneurs, representatives of chambers and trade associations, women entrepreneurs, young entrepreneurs, financial institutions, academia and other stakeholders to celebrate the contribution of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) towards economic growth, employment generation and innovation.

Ms. Saleha Saeed, GM, Central Support, SMEDA in her opening remarks, highlighted the significance of World MSME Day and briefed participants on SMEDA’s mandate and services.

Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol, President, LCCI graced the occasion as Chief Guest and highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship and enterprise development in strengthening Pakistan’s economy. He appreciated the role being played by MSMEs in creating employment opportunities, fostering innovation and promoting inclusive economic growth.

Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Javed Afzal, Regional Chief, Central, SMEDA, briefed participants on SMEDA’s Three Year Business Plan 2025-2028 and SMEDA’s ongoing initiatives for MSME development across Pakistan. He informed participants that SMEDA, under the Ministry of Industries and Production, continues to facilitate MSMEs through business development services, entrepreneurship support, policy advocacy, access to finance facilitation, cluster development initiatives, export development support and capacity-building programs.

In his remarks, Usman Khan, Member SMEDA Board, stated that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises are the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and play a critical role in employment generation, innovation and economic growth. Strengthening MSMEs, he emphasized, required close collaboration between the public and private sectors. He also highlighted the strategic role of SMEDA’s Board for spearheading the MSME Development.

Ms. Aasia Sail, Member SMEDA Board also shared her thoughts with reference to the MSME Day celebration and the important role especially the micro enterprises are playing in the economy of Pakistan.

Sheikh Sajjad Afzal, Convener SME Committee, LCCI also spoke on the occasion and he emphasized the need of creating enabling environment and ease of doing business to give more opportunities to the MSMEs to flourish and contribute to the economy and exports.He appreciated SMEDA’s efforts in supporting entrepreneurs and creating platforms for dialogue with the business community.

Ms. Falahat Imran, President Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Lahore in her remarks appreciated the ongoing efforts of SMEDA and the Government of Pakistan for supporting the MSMEs in general and women entrepreneurs in particular.

This was followed by the sharing of Success Stories by three of the successful business entrepreneurs. These success stories were inspirational that these were non-conventional in nature and attained success in relatively less time.

The participants appreciated SMEDA’s efforts in supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening the MSME ecosystem. During the interactive session, stakeholders discussed key issues affecting MSMEs in the district, including access to finance, business formalization, export development, regulatory challenges and digitalization etc.

The session also provided an opportunity for participants to share recommendations aimed at improving the business environment and enhancing the competitiveness of local enterprises.

World MSME Day is observed globally on June 27 under a United Nations resolution to recognize the vital role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in achieving sustainable development, innovation and economic prosperity.

The event concluded with shield distribution ceremony and with a renewed commitment by participants to work collectively towards creating an enabling environment for entrepreneurship, enterprise growth and job creation in Pakistan.

It is notable that in line with economic development vision of the PM Shehbaz Sharif, SMEDA, under the guidance of SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan is focusing it’s development initiatives on women entrepreneurs and micro enterprises.