Trade fair being held for promoting women entrepreneurship

The two-day event features 40 stalls with entrepreneurs from all over Pakistan.

PESHAWAR:

The first ever inter-provincial trade fair for female entrepreneurs in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) began at a local hotel here on Saturday.

The two-day event, which is being held by Women Business Development Centre (WBDC) and K-P Chamber of Commerce and Industry, aims to improve the socio-economic conditions of women in the province by introducing the products of female entrepreneurs in the market.

Muhammad Ramzan, one of the organisers, told The Express Tribune businesswomen from all parts of the country, including Peshawar, Kohat, Multan and Abbottabad, are participating in the event. The event has more than 40 stalls.

K-P Minister for Social Welfare and Women Development Sitara Ayaz, the chief guest, visited different stalls and appreciated the efforts of women.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Ayaz said women from K-P are involved in manufacturing of quality products, which have a great demand in international markets. She said the government is taking all necessary steps to help these women come forward and showcase their talent. For this purpose, a chamber of commerce has already been established, which will advertise women’s products at an international level.

She added such events are important to promote entrepreneurship in women, who are playing an important role in the economy.

WBDC Project Manager Nabeela Farman said the number of businesswomen in the province is increasing, which is an indication of the country’s economic growth.

She said WBDC is working towards increasing women entrepreneurship to enable them to carry their businesses in any part of the world. “Developing entrepreneurship in women can play a major role in employment generation,” she added.

Lubna, a visitor at the event, told The Express Tribune that the stalls were beautifully decorated and the jewellery, pots and garments being sold were really eye-catching. She said such events should be held regularly to encourage talented women.

Mrs Owais, a stall holder, said she had received a positive response from visitors, especially families. With additional input from APP

Published in The Express Tribune, June 26^th, 2011.