SMEDA partners with PAAPAM for auto show 2026

SMEDA partners with PAAPAM for auto show 2026

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

The three-day exhibition will take place from September 18 to 20 at the Expo Centre Lahore, bringing together stakeholders from Pakistan’s automotive and engineering sectors as well as potential international business partners.

The partnership reflects SMEDA’s continued efforts to strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in line with the policy direction of the Ministry of Industries and Production and the SMEDA Board of Directors. The initiative aims to help local businesses expand their market reach, develop new partnerships and become part of regional and global industrial supply chains.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan chaired a meeting on SMEDA’s collaboration with PAAPAM. Secretary of Industries and Production Saif Anjum, SMEDA Board members, CEO Nadia Jahangir Seth, Pak Suzuki head Hiroshi Kawamura and representatives of PAAPAM attended the meeting.

Haroon Akhtar Khan said the government wanted to transform Pakistan into a competitive manufacturing hub by empowering MSMEs and strengthening domestic industrial value chains.

He highlighted the resilience and growth potential of Pakistan’s automotive sector, saying events such as the Pakistan Auto Show could help promote local manufacturing, encourage innovation and attract investment.

The SAPM called for the 2026 exhibition to become a major international platform with a strong focus on business-to-business engagement, memorandums of understanding and joint ventures. He also ordered the formation of a private-sector-led committee to prepare a comprehensive plan for making the event a landmark occasion.

Khan further directed SMEDA to provide full support to PAAPAM and engage with foreign embassies and local MSMEs to facilitate effective business matchmaking during the exhibition.

He said the government wanted to give MSMEs better access to markets, stronger commercial connections and greater opportunities to join regional and international value chains.

Secretary MoI&P Saif Anjum said the event should help local auto parts manufacturers gain greater exposure and establish business links with international competitors. He called for SMEDA, PAAPAM, the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and the Engineering Development Board (EDB) to work together to achieve the exhibition’s objectives.

SMEDA CEO Nadia Jahangir Seth described the automotive sector as one of Pakistan’s most dynamic industries, with significant potential for SME-driven growth.

She said numerous MSMEs play a key role in the country’s auto parts and engineering ecosystem. Through its partnership with PAAPAM, SMEDA aims to help these businesses present their capabilities, establish strategic alliances, adopt modern technologies and explore new opportunities in domestic and international markets.

PAPS 2026 Convener Salman Saleem welcomed SMEDA’s participation, saying the partnership would strengthen efforts to present Pakistan’s automotive industry to the global market.

He said SMEDA’s support would increase SME participation and reinforce efforts to promote local manufacturing under the “Make in Pakistan” vision.

A symposium will also take place on September 19 alongside the exhibition. Organisers expect the session to contribute to discussions on the future of Pakistan’s automotive industry and help develop a roadmap for further growth and collaboration.