The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization’s Investment and Technology Promotion Office (UNIDO-ITPO) Bahrain have agreed to strengthen cooperation aimed at promoting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurship, investment and private sector growth in Pakistan, FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh said on Monday.
According to information today, Sheikh welcomed the visit of Dr. Hashim Hussain, Head of UNIDO-ITPO Bahrain, describing it as a significant step toward expanding collaboration between the two organizations. He said FPCCI remained committed to working with international development partners to create greater opportunities for the business community, particularly women and young entrepreneurs, through capacity building, technology transfer, international networking and sustainable economic development.
During his three-day visit to Karachi, Hussain held a series of meetings at FPCCI headquarters with Senior Vice President Saquib Fayyaz Magoon to discuss areas of mutual interest, including SME development, women and youth entrepreneurship, vocational and technical education, investment promotion, access to finance, international partnerships and broader private sector initiatives.
Officials from the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) also attended the discussions, where participants exchanged views on enhancing institutional cooperation among FPCCI, TDAP and UNIDO-ITPO Bahrain to support business development and investment initiatives.
Hussain also conducted an interactive session with women and young entrepreneurs at FPCCI, where participants stressed the importance of expanding international business networks, improving access to finance, strengthening vocational and technical skills, receiving business mentoring and identifying new export opportunities. He praised the participants’ enthusiasm and reaffirmed UNIDO-ITPO Bahrain’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship through knowledge sharing, institutional capacity building and international cooperation.
In a separate meeting, Hussain met members of the business community from Balochistan to explore strategies for stimulating economic activity in the province through vocational training, entrepreneurship promotion, knowledge development, the establishment of trading centres and improved market access. Participants emphasized the need for technical assistance and institutional backing to unlock the province’s economic potential.
He also interacted with entrepreneurs enrolled in FPCCI’s Launchpad Programme, where discussions focused on startup development, innovation, technology-driven enterprises, international networking, access to finance and engagement with overseas business partners. Hussain described the Launchpad Programme as an important platform for nurturing young entrepreneurs and encouraging innovation in Pakistan.
As part of the visit, Hussain met the president and senior management of Meezan Bank at its head office. The meeting focused on expanding financial support for SMEs, strengthening corporate, commercial and investment banking services, and exploring joint initiatives to promote entrepreneurship, industrial development and sustainable economic growth.
Sheikh expressed confidence that Hussain’s visit would reinforce the long-standing partnership between FPCCI and UNIDO-ITPO Bahrain, leading to practical joint initiatives in SME development, entrepreneurship, investment promotion, innovation, skills enhancement and international business cooperation. He added that FPCCI would continue serving as a bridge between Pakistan’s private sector and international development organizations to advance the country’s socio-economic development.