Economic empowerment of women must for nation-building

LAHORE: Role of Pakistani women has the utmost importance in nation-building. Women constitute more than half of the population and they should be encouraged to participate in trade and economic activities.

These views were expressed by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) president Abdul Basit while talking to Fizza Farhan, member of United Nations’ High Level Panel for Women Empowerment.

The LCCI president said that these days women were not 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, IT, business management, fashion designing, etc.”

Basit said it was a good omen that in recent years government has been focusing more on the development of women entrepreneurs in the country, but due attention was needed by offering focused opportunities in export of goods to the international market.

He said 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 women entrepreneurs.

He said trainings were a must as a number of talented women were unable to make a mark in the international market because they did not have a certificate from any reputed institution - a prerequisite to enter the world market.

Basit said the private sector would have to work out a methodology in this regard. “Women constitute more than half of our population and there is dire need to encourage them to join mainstream economy.”

“The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry is striving for the betterment of women entrepreneurs, and is advising women entrepreneurs to focus on branding,” he said. “Branding is one of the tools that helps highlight the soft image of any country, besides boosting exports.” Fizza Farhan lauded the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s role for the economic betterment of the working women.