Islamabad: The Ministry of Industries and Production has pledged renewed support for women entrepreneurs in Pakistan, marking World Women Entrepreneurship Day with a focus on overcoming the challenges they face. The ministry, led by Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Secretary Saif Anjum, and CEO of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) Socrat Aman Rana, emphasized their joint commitment to fostering a supportive business environment for women entrepreneurs during a meeting at SMEDA.

According to Press Information Department: the celebration this year is particularly significant as SMEDA, under the ministry’s guidance, prepares to launch a new Women Entrepreneurship Policy. This initiative aims to promote growth by enhancing financial inclusion and expanding market access for women entrepreneurs nationwide. Currently, only a small percentage of women entrepreneurs have access to formal markets and online marketplaces, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to close the gender finance gap and increase SME lending to women-led enterprises.

Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain praised SMEDA’s efforts and acknowledged the resilience of Pakistani women, particularly those in rural areas. He reiterated the government’s commitment to dismantling barriers and nurturing an ecosystem where women-led businesses can prosper. Federal Secretary Saif Anjum noted the essential role women play in the economic landscape, driving innovation and job creation across the country.

SMEDA CEO Socrat Aman Rana emphasized the organization’s role in supporting women entrepreneurs and expressed confidence that the forthcoming policy would provide the necessary tools and resources for women to become key contributors to Pakistan’s economic future. As the country moves towards a more inclusive economic framework, Women Entrepreneurship Day highlights the untapped potential within the women-led business sector, with hopes for further empowerment and innovation through continued support.