LAHORE: Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Pak Suzuki Motor Company Limited, Hiroshi Kawamura, said the company is hopeful that an upcoming auto policy will promote increased localisation of automotive parts.
“Suzuki continues assisting in the development of Pakistani vendor companies so they can meet global standards,” Kawamura said while speaking to the media during the SME Cluster Expo held in Lahore recently. He emphasised that foreign investment plays a vital role for Pakistan, not just in generating foreign exchange but also in enabling technology transfer and strengthening industrial capacity.
“Pakistan needs strong SMEs, and it also needs strong foreign partners. This Expo plays an important role in connecting SMEs with large industry, opening new opportunities and strengthening Pakistan’s industrial ecosystem.
“I would also like to express our sincere appreciation to SMEDA. Your efforts to support SMEs across Pakistan are essential for the country’s industrial future, and we are pleased to be part of this mission,” he added.
The SME Cluster Expo was organised by the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Industries. The event featured more than 174 micro, small and medium enterprises that displayed their products and explored potential business opportunities.
Director SMEDA Mashood Khan highlighted the significance of SMEs in Pakistan’s economy, noting their major contribution to employment and exports. He said SMEs provide jobs to nearly 25 million people and account for around Rs2.8 billion in exports.
“This clearly demonstrates that SMEs are not small in impact; they are the backbone of our economy, with vast untapped potential. However, unlocking this potential requires timely, practical and bold policy action,” Khan said.
He further stated that the innovation and resilience of SMEs are key drivers of industrial development in the country and that appropriate policy measures could help them realise their full potential and strengthen the national economy.
“We must recognise a fundamental reality: Pakistan’s economic resilience, industrial growth and export expansion depend heavily on SMEs,” he said.
Referring to the Covid-19 pandemic, Khan pointed out that SMEs played a crucial role by localising production, addressing supply shortages and maintaining continuity despite limited resources.
According to him, the Expo attracted strong interest from domestic companies and consumers, with several MSMEs securing sales and business orders. He added that the event is expected to facilitate future partnerships and create new growth avenues for Pakistan’s MSME sector.
