LAHORE: Role of Pakistani women has the utmost importance in nation-building, as women constitute more than half of the population and they should be encouraged to participate in trade and economic activities that would help country achieve the target of economic revival in the shortest possible time.
These views were expressed by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce (LCCI) President Abdul Basit while talking to the member of United Nations’ High Level Panel for Women Empowerment Fizza Farhan.
The LCCI President said that days are gone when Pakistani women were hesitant to be part of the economic activities. Today’s women are well aware of their rights, are equally educated and are entering into non-traditional businesses like boutiques, textile designing, printing and publishing, architecture, banking, I.T., business management, fashion designing etc.
Abdul Basit said it is a good omen that in recent years government has been focusing more on the development of women entrepreneurs in the country but due attention is needed by offering focused opportunities in export of goods to international market. He said that the products prepared by women entrepreneurs should be allowed concession in taxes. He urged the government to come up with a more aggressive package for the women entrepreneurs.
He said that imparting training to women is a must because as having all the talent a number of women are unable to make a mark in the international market because they did not have a certificate from any reputed institution, a prerequisite to enter into world market. He said that the private sector would have to work out methodology to this regard to wear off the intensity of present day economic meltdown. He said that women constitute more than half of our population and there are dire needs to encourage them join mainstream economy.
He informed the guest that the LCCI is striving for the betterment of women entrepreneurs. He said that women workers should acquire modern techniques for business promotion and come forward with new ideas. Skill enhancement of women and their economic independence is need of the hour.
He said that the LCCI is advising women entrepreneurs to focus on branding. He said that despite the fact that Pakistan has all resources in abundance and quality-wise its goods are ‘best of the best’ in the entire world but it has so far failed to get its share in the world economy only because of poor brand management in Pakistan. He said that branding is one of the tools that helps highlight the soft image of any country besides giving required boost to its exports. Fizza Farhan lauded the LCCI role for the economic betterment of the working women.
