Microfinance: Workshop held for young entrepreneurs

CHITRAL: A workshop held by the Agha Khan Rural Support Program (AKRSP) focused on explaining and promoting micro-level businesses. Over a 100 teenagers participated. Some shared the problems they face in starting a business.

Both government and banks demanded property certificates and documents before issuing loans. Even after being provided with the paperwork, the young entrepreneurs were kept waiting for more than a year.

Agha Khan Planning and Building Service Pakistan (AKPBSP) manager Muhammad Akram said with the help of AKRSP, banks have agreed to assist young entrepreneurs in microcredit. Banks and NGOs also participated. At the end of the workshop, banks agreed to give loans with easy instalments.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 2^nd, 2013.