KARACHI, April 2: Pakistan's first women's chamber of commerce and industry was launched here on Friday to promote economic empowerment of women.
Begum Salma Ahmed, president of the Pakistan Association of Women Entrepreneurs and convener of the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, announced on the occasion that the chamber would organize a Saarc conference and exhibition in Karachi in August 2004.
She said the idea of a separate chamber was floated in 2003 after it was realized that women would get more economic benefits by establishing a strong trade institution.
She read out a message from Sindh Governor Dr Isharatul Ibad, congratulating the women entrepreneurs of Karachi for launching their own chamber of commerce and industry and thus taking lead over other cities of the country.
Sindh Minister for Women Development Dr Saeeda Malik assured women entrepreneurs all possible help and cooperation from her ministry. She also sought their cooperation in the work for women's socio-economic uplift.
She announced the setting up of two sales and display centres here over the next two weeks. Under the scheme, she said, her ministry would provide raw materials to rural women entrepreneurs and purchase their products at good prices to encourage them.
A day-care centre would soon be set up in the city where trained nurses and a doctor would be available, she added.
First Women Bank president Zarine Aziz stressed the need for more social and economic power for women. -APP
