The 4th All Pakistan Women Chambers Presidents International Conference commenced here on Sunday, tackling the critical challenge of equipping more than 30 rapidly emerging Women Chambers of Commerce with the institutional strength required to effectively support a burgeoning class of female entrepreneurs across the nation.
The high-profile, two-day forum is set to be inaugurated by Haroon Akhtar Khan, the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production.
Hosted by the Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI) in collaboration with the Azerbaijan Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the gathering has convened senior leaders from women”s chambers nationwide.
Attendees include policymakers, regulators, and representatives from financial institutions, diplomatic missions, development partners, and various private sector stakeholders, all gathered to foster dialogue and find practical solutions for female-led businesses.
Samina Fazil, President of the IWCCI, articulated that while the expansion of women’s chambers signifies progress, it also introduces fresh responsibilities. She underscored the necessity for these institutions, many newly founded, to possess the requisite tools, knowledge, and stability to serve women entrepreneurs proficiently.
Organisers stated the central focus of the summit is the institutional capacity building of these chambers. Key themes under discussion include regulatory and DGTO compliance, leadership development, resource mobilisation, financial and digital inclusion, and access to international markets.
Highlighting the export capabilities of women-owned enterprises, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, Patron in Chief of the Azerbaijan Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasised the importance of global connectivity. He stressed that international exposure is pivotal for enabling female-led businesses to penetrate regional and global markets, particularly through partnerships with nations like Azerbaijan.
The conference programme features expert-led sessions and panel discussions. A dedicated Pakistan Azerbaijan Women Entrepreneurship Dialogue has also been scheduled to encourage cross-border collaboration and knowledge exchange.
The event aims to strengthen coordination among the Women Chambers, encourage policy engagement, and reinforce the contribution of female-led enterprises to Pakistan’s economic growth. A networking gala dinner will also be held to recognise partners and promote further engagement.