Women entrepreneurs target exports and tech at Islamabad summit

ISLAMABAD: More than 30 presidents of women's chambers of commerce gathered in the capital for a two-day conference aimed at expanding opportunities for women entrepreneurs across Pakistan.

The 4th All Pakistan Women Chambers Presidents International Conference centered on capacity building, financial inclusion, and market access for women-led enterprises. It was organized by the Islamabad Women's Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan inaugurated the event, stating that women are reshaping Pakistan's economy by entering new sectors, creating jobs, and strengthening household incomes.

"Women-led enterprises are no longer confined to micro or informal activities," the special assistant said. “They are increasingly visible in manufacturing, services, information technology, agribusiness, and exports.”

Haroon Khan mentioned that this shift is altering market dynamics and how families cope with inflation, rising energy costs, and slow growth. He observed a clear move from survival-based businesses to growth-oriented firms led by educated women utilizing digital platforms and formal banking channels.

The special assistant highlighted that official data indicate increased women's participation in small and medium enterprises over the past decade. However, policy gaps and limited access to finance still restrict scaling and productivity.

He emphasized unlocking women's potential as essential for maintaining economic growth under fiscal pressure. Women entrepreneurs are helping diversify exports through value-added products in textiles, food processing, and digital services, reducing dependency on a few commodities and bolstering foreign exchange earnings.

Haroon Khan pointed to recent initiatives aimed at easing business registration, expanding credit guarantees, and connecting women-owned firms to public procurement. He noted that firms led by women tend to be more resilient during economic shocks.

He also acknowledged that despite policy announcements, access to affordable credit remains limited.

Chamber representatives reported that high interest rates, collateral requirements, and delays in bank approvals continue to exclude many capable businesses.

The Vice President of the Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Rabia Farhan, mentioned that the country’s central bank's loan programs are currently paused. Previously, a special women's grant with only a 5% markup was available.

Meanwhile, Naima Ansari, Senior Vice President of the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the Islamabad location offers direct access to government agencies and regulatory bodies, facilitating networking opportunities.

Shabista Bakhtiyar, President of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Karachi, discussed the importance of safe workplaces and increased participation in policy-making.

"Women need comfortable, safe, and healthy environments," Bakhtiyar said. "They require spaces where they can work freely and be more deeply involved in policy-making."

Other speakers included Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry Founder President Samina Fazil, Azerbaijan Ambassador Khazar Farhadov, Securities and Exchange Commission Commissioner Muzaffar Mirza, Deputy Director DGTO Pir Shah Gul, and Secretary General of UBG Zafar Bakhtawri.