FWBL will continue to support female entrepreneurs:Shafqat Sultana

Lahore: Shafqat Sultana, President of First Women Bank Ltd (FWBL) on Saturday said that growing tendency of exhibitions is very encouraging which is one of the best tools to empower women with little opportunities.

Such events generate economic activity, bring talent to limelight and encourage women–led businesses as national prosperity is closely linked to the success of its women.

Shafqat Sultana said this while inaugurating Islamabad Expo 2013 organised by Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI).

Sanaullah Aman, Member CDA, Shahina Waheed of UNIDO, Arfa Iqbal of TDAP, IPALMO, SMEDA, representatives of Khushhalibank Ltd., Italian Development Cooperation Agency, multinationals, educational institutions, diplomats, former president IWCCI Samina Fazil, President IWCCI Farida Rashid and others were also present on the occasion.

Shafqat Sultana said that FWBL will continue to support businesswomen to remove obstacles that hinder their growth. Pakistan’s sustainable future requires significant participation by women in the economic activities and our aim is to help them flourish, she said.

My institution is committed to the development of the next generation of women entrepreneurs and business leaders in Pakistan, she said, adding that we are focusing on women micro-entrepreneurs and other neglected sectors.

Empowered and financially literate women can help us attain goal of creating a socially just, democratic, and gender responsive society, the banker with 37 years of experience said.

Shahina Waheed said that women-owned enterprises should enhance their competiveness and increase their sales. Enhanced linkages among business community are the foundation of a sustainable Pakistan.

Sanaullah Aman said that expos offer great networking opportunities which are critical to explore investment probabilities and experiencing latest products.

Arfa Iqbal said that such moves help sharpen skills of the participants which guarantee success in future, she said.

Samina Fazil and Farida Rashid also spoke on the occasion; they said that women entrepreneurs can climb ladder of success by making new friends, customers, analyse and share their success and failures, and discuss issues of mutual interest.

The business leaders stressed that best way to increase sales is to look deeply into all business related matters, continue research and improve presentation which is critically important.