Lahore, April 24, 2026 – By Abdul Rafay Afzal – In a significant step toward inclusive economic development, the Government of Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women and microenterprises through a strategic collaboration between the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) and the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD).
The announcement came during a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony held at PIFD Lahore, where the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) for Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, emphasized the untapped economic potential of women-led and microenterprises in Pakistan.
Describing the MoU as more than a routine institutional agreement, the SAPM framed it as a “strategic national intervention” aimed at transforming micro-businesses into competitive, market-ready enterprises. He underscored that integrating SMEDA’s enterprise development framework with PIFD’s design and innovation capabilities would foster entrepreneurship, enhance export potential, and generate employment opportunities across the country.
The agreement, signed by Sheharyar Tahir of SMEDA and Dr. Muhammad Afzal, Registrar of PIFD, establishes a comprehensive framework to support micro and small enterprises, with a particular focus on women entrepreneurs, home-based workers, and artisans. The initiative seeks to strengthen product development, improve value-chain integration, and expand access to both domestic and international markets.
Speaking at the event, SMEDA CEO Nadia Jahangir Seth reiterated the organisation’s commitment to underserved sectors, noting that the partnership would provide structured design support, business development services, and enhanced market access. She also announced the launch of a ‘Three-Year National Product Development Support Programme’ under the collaboration, specifically targeting women and microenterprises.
PIFD Vice Chancellor Prof. Hina Tayyaba Khalil welcomed the initiative, highlighting its role in bridging academia and industry. She stated that the collaboration would enable meaningful engagement between students, designers, and entrepreneurs, thereby elevating the quality and competitiveness of locally produced goods.
The partnership will further explore the establishment of incubation centres, design labs, and creative workspaces, alongside initiatives in digital enablement, e-commerce integration, and research collaboration. These measures are expected to enhance productivity, financial inclusion, and digital participation within Pakistan’s microenterprise ecosystem.
The ceremony concluded with presentations, a facility tour, and stakeholder interactions, marking the beginning of what officials described as a long-term effort to position women and small businesses at the forefront of Pakistan’s economic transformation.
