ISLAMABAD: Federal Secretary for Industries and Production Khizar Hayat Gondal has said that government was working on a new SME policy in consultation with all stakeholders that would focus on mainstreaming women in SMEs, especially in green industry.
He was addressing at the launching ceremony of advocacy Campaign on “Women in Green Industry” which was organised by United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO Pakistan) in collaboration with Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) under its Global Cleantech Innovation Program 2016.
He said that women were 94 million of Pakistan’s total population and their gainful employment, especially in green industry was of paramount importance for sustainable industrial development and more job creation.
He said that the new SME policy would address gender issues to enhance the role of women in economic empowerment. He assured that his ministry would fully support UNIDO in proper implementation of this initiative that would pave way for green growth and sustainable economic development.
He said that as green industry has the potential to deliver on both environmental and economic objectives of the economy through improved energy security and sustainable environment
ICCI President Khalid Iqbal Malik said that a growing body of evidence has shown that increased participation of women in SMEs has highly positive impact on the economic growth of a country and government should take strong policy measures to promote women entrepreneurship in the country.
He said that access to finance was major factor preventing women from starting their own businesses. He highlighted limited access to information and mentorship, small professional networks, limited business development skills, limited marketing platforms, social and cultural barriers etc.
He stressed upon the government to look into these issues for urgent remedial measures to create conducive environment for women entrepreneurs. He assured that the ICCI would fully support UNIDO’s mandate for green industry aiming at gender mainstreaming for inclusive industrial development.
UNIDO representative Essam Alqarara said that the enabling policy environment coupled with deliberate action by government, private sector and development practitioners were necessary to utilize the full potential of women’s participation in green growth.
The campaign is a first step towards more intensive interventions in the industrial sector of Pakistan to meet Vision 2025 and Sustainable Development Goals 2030 to ensure equal and full participation of women in development.
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