LAHORE: A three-day international workshop on the development of the OIC SME Networking Platform has concluded with a firm commitment by participating countries to advance a practical and financially sustainable framework for connecting businesses across the 57 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), under the strategic direction of the Ministry of Industries and Production, brought together SME development institutions from Turkiye, Egypt, Senegal and Malaysia, along with international experts, to develop an organisational structure, governance framework and sustainable financial model for the proposed platform.
Held from October 27 to 29 under the COMCEC Project Funding Programme, the workshop aimed to translate the concept of a multilateral networking platform into a practical and sustainable framework for connecting small and medium enterprises across OIC member states.
Rana Ahmed Ateeq Anwar, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Small and Medium Enterprises, emphasised in his inaugural address the importance of translating regional economic cooperation into tangible business opportunities for SMEs. He noted that the proposed platform could help businesses identify credible commercial partners, access new markets and strengthen cross-border trade and investment.
In his interaction with international partners, he said the Government of Pakistan fully supported the initiative in line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s economic vision. He stressed that its success would depend on a practical and inclusive institutional framework, effective coordination and sustainable operations, with results measured through meaningful business connections and commercial opportunities.
Sustainable framework
Addressing the concluding ceremony, Ahsan Ali Mangi, Federal Secretary at the Ministry of Industries and Production, said the workshop marked an important step towards translating the concept of the OIC SME Networking Platform into a workable and sustainable mechanism for business cooperation.
He stressed that the historic event should serve as a springboard for meaningful connections between enterprises and potential buyers, suppliers, distributors, investors and technology partners.
SMEDA Chief Executive Officer Nadia Jahangir Seth highlighted the workshop as an important step towards strengthening economic connectivity among OIC member states. She said SMEDA was advancing the initiative in line with SME needs for internationalisation, particularly the promotion of export-led growth and improved market access.
She added that a well-designed and sustainable networking platform could help Pakistani and other OIC enterprises build international business relationships, explore new markets and contribute to greater regional economic integration.
Business connectivity
SMEDA officials said the platform was envisioned as a common gateway for SMEs to identify potential buyers, suppliers, distributors, investors and business partners across OIC markets. By facilitating business-to-business matchmaking, improving access to market information and strengthening institutional linkages, it could help enterprises explore new markets, develop partnerships and participate more actively in regional and international value chains.
Despite their significant contribution to employment and economic activity, many SMEs across OIC countries face persistent barriers to internationalisation, including limited access to business contacts, market intelligence and cross-border networks. Officials said the initiative sought to address these gaps by strengthening connectivity among businesses and the institutions supporting them.
Next steps
According to officials, the workshop aimed to produce a draft organisational, governance, financial and sustainability framework, alongside a phased implementation roadmap and plans for subsequent resource mobilisation.
A follow-up virtual consultation is scheduled for November 2026 to consolidate the workshop’s recommendations before the final project report is submitted to the COMCEC Coordination Office, officials said.
