Pakistani products have an impact on regional, int’l markets: UN

Islamabad: The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and First Women Bank Limited (FWBL) on Tuesday inaugurated first-ever Business Growth Centre (BGC) of Pakistan to enhance the ability, mobility, visibility and connectivity of women entrepreneurs.

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 SVP, FWBL Parveen Khan, National Programme Coordinator UNIDO Shahina Waheed, and representatives of different organisations were also present.Speaking at the occasion, Wijngaarde said that we are 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 culture of innovation to grow and shape their future, Wijngaarde said that Pakistani products have an impact on regional and international markets.

She informed that over the past two years, many women entrepreneurs have been capacitated through trainings led by international experts and local master trainers in developing creativity for design business, gems identification, carving, faceting and jewellery making etc.

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

The broader aim of the BGC is to deliver improved Business Development and Competitiveness Services (BDCS) for women entrepreneurs in selected sectors by providing access to information, market intelligence, business acumen, counselling and capacity building support, said Waheed.

SVP, FWBL Parveen Khan said that through the BGC, women will be able to develop linkages with other organizations, entrepreneurs and international institutions.It will not only facilitate future interventions but also pull together resources and expertise under one roof, she said.