Business growth centre for women inaugurated

Centre to help women create linkages with related businesses.

ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the First Women Bank Limited (FWBL) inaugurated the first-ever business growth centre (BGC) of Pakistan on Tuesday.

The BGC is result of joint effort of UNIDO’s Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme (WEDP) and FWBL.

UNIDO-WED Project Manager Inez Wijngaarde inaugurated the BGC, while FWBL’s Senior Vice President Parveen Khan, UNIDO National Programme Coordinator Shahina Waheed and representatives of different organisations were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, Wijngaarde said that we are a pioneer in introducing creative industries in Pakistan, which is home to a rich cultural heritage. “We specifically focus on promoting gender integration in creative, non-traditional sub-sectors of marble mosaic, inlay and handicrafts, home textiles, gems and jewellery,” she informed.

Asking women to introduce a culture of innovation to grow and shape their future, Wijngaarde said that Pakistani products have had an impact on regional and international markets.

UNIDO’s National Programme Coordinator Shahina Waheed said that the BGC will serve as a facilitation unit to inform, enhance and connect BGC member organisations that work with micro, small and medium enterprises owned and managed by women entrepreneurs.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 21^st, 2012.