Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President, Shahzad Ali Malik has said that women empowerment is the key to economic turnaround and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) should double incentives for women entrepreneurs in the larger interest and progress and prosperity of the country.
Shahzad Ali Malik was speaking at 'LCCI Women Empowerment and Advocacy Forum' meeting, here on Friday. Malik said women who make over 50 percent of the total population cannot be kept aloof of development of the country and should come forward to play their role for the wellbeing of the people of this part of land.
While urging the women to take part in nation building activities for the sake of our future generations, he said that Lahore Chamber is making all possible efforts for up-gradation of women entrepreneurs and ensuring enabling environment for them, so that they could be able to do business with peace of mind and maximum ease.
LCCI president observed that the days were not very far when Pakistan would be standing tall among the comity of nations. He advised that government, in collaboration with the chambers of commerce and other trade bodies of the country, should evolve a roadmap for upgradation of women entrepreneurs. He also urged the government to allocate special funds in forthcoming federal budget for upgradation of women entrepreneurs.
In his address, LCCI former President Zafar Iqbal Chaudhry said preparation of LCCI Economic Agenda 2010-30, Establishment of Pakistan Halal Product Development Board and LCCI FM Radio would go a long way in bringing the much-needed economic turnaround.
Speaking on the occasion, MNA Shireen Arshad Khan, Chairperson of the forum appreciated LCCI for extending active support for the cause of women empowerment. She said that it is LCCI that enabled the forum to serve the cause of women empowerment, especially brining WEXNET to Lahore and ensuring participation of LCCI women members in this mega event.
She said that the credit for a number of important events including a seminar "Strengthening SMEs for a Better Tomorrow" in collaboration with Business Support Fund, goes to LCCI women empowerment and advocacy forum. Advisor to Chief Minister, Begum Zakia Shahnawaz said that no country could ever taste progress and prosperity until and unless its women play their role. She said Punjab Board of Investment and Trade (PBIT) has been tasked by Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif to facilitate women entrepreneurs and it is working day in and day out to achieve the desired goals.