BIZ TODAY REPORT
KARACHI: Pakistan Women Entrepreneurs Network for Trade (WE-NET) was launched today creating a representative platform for women entrepreneurs in trade of goods and services. The launch event was held today at Movenpick Hotel Karachi with the support of the World Bank Group (WBG).
Ms. Yasmin Hyder, Founder & President, WE-NET and CEO, New World Concepts welcomed the invitees and highlighted the need for a women entrepreneurs network in trade given the changing demographics, growth in technology and improved access to markets. The economic impact of female entrepreneurs and holds the potential to be a major driver of economic growth in Pakistan, as elsewhere in the world. She highlighted how technology is revolutionizing business operations and the need for women entrepreneurs to benefit from digital processes and ecommerce capabilities for global trade.
Underlining the importance of women’s participation in the economic development of Pakistan, Mr. Illangovan Patchamuthu, Country Director, WBG Pakistan expressed how important this was especially due to Pakistan’s low female labour participation rates in the region. This can be improved by assisting women entrepreneurs through creation of linkages with regional and global trade partners and businesswomen associations. He also reiterated Pakistan’s significant progress in regaining macroeconomic stability over the last 3 years.
Her Excellency Ms. Margaret Adamson, Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan said the Australian Government was pleased to partner with the WBG to support Pakistan’s efforts to increase regional trade and investment through the Pakistan Trade and Investment Policy Program. Ms Adamson said that gender equality was essential for successful economic and social development globally and was at the core of Australia’s foreign policy.
Special guest Dr. Gulden Tarktan, founding chair of W20, an engagement group of female leaders of the G20 nations, emphasized the necessity of including women in the formal economy by addressing women’s economic empowerment through education, employment and entrepreneurship. Supporting women-owned enterprises and innovations is beneficial as women entrepreneurship enhances economies.
Ms. Yesim Sevig, Secretary General, KAGIDER (Women Entrepreneurs Association of Turkey); member of the Diplomatic Corps in Karachi; renowned women entrepreneurs and heads of bilateral trade associations, attended the launch event.
