In a major push to support Pakistani small and medium enterprises (SMEs) aiming to expand into global markets, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) has launched a matching grant program that covers up to 70% of the cost for obtaining international certifications. This initiative is designed to make globally recognized accreditations more accessible to local businesses, enhancing their export readiness and competitiveness on the international stage.
Under this scheme, eligible SMEs can receive a grant of up to PKR 800,000 to cover the cost of internationally accepted certifications such as ISO, Halal, CE Mark, HACCP, and other industry-relevant standards. Additionally, SMEDA will provide financial support for related consultancy services, covering up to PKR 200,000 to help businesses navigate the complex certification process.
This opportunity is targeted specifically at existing and potential SME exporters, vendors supplying export-oriented industries, and women-led enterprises across Pakistan. To qualify for the grant, businesses must have been in operation for at least five years. With limited slots available, applications are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, urging interested SMEs to act swiftly.
The move is part of SMEDA’s broader strategy to boost Pakistan’s export ecosystem by enabling businesses to meet the quality and compliance benchmarks required by international buyers. Certifications like ISO and HACCP are increasingly becoming essential for market access in sectors ranging from food and pharmaceuticals to textiles and manufacturing. By subsidizing the cost of these accreditations, SMEDA aims to lower the entry barriers that prevent many small businesses from expanding beyond domestic markets.
Moreover, the focus on women-led businesses reflects SMEDA’s inclusive approach to economic development, ensuring that underrepresented entrepreneurs are not left behind in the country’s export growth efforts. The inclusion of consultancy grants further strengthens the program’s value, enabling SMEs to receive expert guidance on documentation, implementation, and audit preparation—elements that are often overlooked due to limited internal capacity.
The matching grant is expected to play a catalytic role in improving the global standing of Pakistani products and services. With international certifications often acting as a passport to new markets, the program could help hundreds of SMEs break into regions like the Middle East, European Union, and Southeast Asia, where regulatory compliance is a key prerequisite for entry.
Businesses interested in applying for the grant can visit SMEDA’s official platform to submit their applications and begin the qualification process. Given the limited number of slots and the significant financial support being offered, competition for inclusion is expected to be high.
This latest announcement underscores SMEDA’s ongoing commitment to empowering Pakistan’s SME sector, which contributes significantly to employment, innovation, and GDP. By fostering export potential through certification readiness, the authority is paving the way for a more resilient, diversified, and globally competitive economy.
