ISLAMABAD: The government has approved a skill development program to help women entrepreneurs explore trade opportunities in international markets under its export development fund.
The commerce ministry’s export development fund (EDF) board, in a meeting under the chair of minster Khurram Dastgir, approved the program under which women entrepreneurs from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) will be trained to explore trade opportunities in central Asia, Afghanistan and India. The Women Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Peshawar and KPK Small Industries Development Board will partner to implement the program.
The proposed centre will impart training to 600 women entrepreneurs over the two years to enhance the exportability of local products.
Women entrepreneurs will be taught market driven skills and product exhibition strategies, while young women will be trained as workers in skill-oriented businesses, including hand embroidery, dress making and designing, jewelry making and khadi-made products.
The board also approved funding for a project for the Fisheries Development Board to establish pen fish farm of sea bass and groupers along the coastal belt of Thatha and Baddin districts of Sindh. Under the project, 50 pen fish farms (each of 1200 sq. yards with total area of 12.5 acres) will be set up
The project aims at promotion of fisheries sector through private sector investment in high value aquaculture and farming systems by establishing cluster of pen fish farms at the coastal areas of Sindh, which have no coastal aquaculture.
The board also approved funding for the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) to be held in November this year. Up-gradation of embroidery unit of the Leather Product Development Institute, Sialkot was also approved which, once completed, would impart training to the aspiring students on modern machines.
The minister directed the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan to prepare for Expo, Astana 2017. The exhibition, with the theme ‘Expo-Energy for Life’, will be held for three months and will focus on the renewable energy and its exports.
