PBIF chief calls for cottage industrial zones along CPEC route

Says promoting SMEs will reduce poverty, help recover from economic problems

ISLAMABAD: The government should plan cottage industrial zones along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to improve productivity, exports and employment, said Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) President Zahid Hussain.

Promotion of SMEs and cottage industry can reduce poverty and bailout the country from economic problems, he said in statement.

He said that there is a majority of women therefore they should be included in the national mainstream to ensure rapid progress.

Cottage industry, small traders and women entrepreneurs should be given more attention to ensure rapid development, said Hussain, adding that cottage industrial zones must be established across the country and along CPEC.

“Over 96% businesses fall in the category of cottage industry and small businesses but this sector is neglected, which is not in line with the national economic interests.”

He questioned how Pakistan can become a successful economic model when cottage industry, small traders and women feel side-lined, saying that the government should revisit some policies governing these sectors.

Unfriendly attitude of policymakers, gender inequality, lack of education, absence of required skills and credit facilities, cultural constraints and apathy towards the critically important SMEs sector, are reasons behind rampant poverty among women, the PBIF chief added.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 16^th, 2017.

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