A woman’s business: SMEDA urged to promote women entrepreneurship

'Women of Southern Punjab had immense potential and that they should be recognized at national level.'

MULTAN:

The South Punjab Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry has approached the Small and Medium Enterprise Authority (SMEDA) to organise an exhibition in Multan to promote local handmade items at the national and international level.

Chairing a meeting of female entrepreneurs, acting general secretary South Punjab Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Filza Mumtaz, said that women of Southern Punjab had immense potential and that they should be recognized at the national level.  Mumtaz said that SMEDA was organising an exhibition in Peshawar on June 24 and the fee to set up a stall was Rs 5,000. She demanded that SMEDA authorities actively begin to facilitate the female artisans of South Punjab by offering free participation in the exhibition. She also called for organising an exhibition in Multan to promote local items including jewellery, embroidery, camel skin work and key rings. “Women need to be given a more prominent role as entrepreneurs in the province. If given the chance they can help rebuild our economy,” she said.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 15th, 2011.