SMEDA joins hands with PAAPAM for 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 ‘strategic partner’ for the 21st Pakistan Auto Parts Show (PAPS) 2026. SMEDA’s collaboration is 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 Center, Lahore. According to a SMEDA spokesman, 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. According to him, the upcoming event should be a “grand global show” with focus on B2B, MoUs and joint ventures for a meaningful contribution to the economy. He directed constitution of a committee to be led by the private sector to draw up a plan to make it a historic event. 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. According to CEO Nadia Jahangir Seth, 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. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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