PESHAWAR (Khyber Mail): The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Women Entrepreneurs Network (KPWEN) has called for immediate amendments to the KP Commerce and Trade Act 2021 to formally open easy window of registration with the Women Chambers of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) in the province. This critical demand was voiced during the first quarterly meeting of the network held with the participation of key stakeholders, including government officials, private sector representatives, and women entrepreneurs and business community.
The meeting aimed to strengthen and empower women-led businesses across KP by fostering collaboration and advocating for policy and legislative reforms.
The network stressed the need for a dedicated KP Commerce and Trade Statistics Act, which would facilitate the formal registration of Women Chambers of Commerce and ensure a supportive policy framework for women entrepreneurs. Such measures would not only enhance women’s representation in business but also unlock opportunities for growth and development in the provincial economy and revenue generation.
Mr. Khalfan Ahmed Khattak, Program Manager at the Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA), opened the meeting by reaffirming CGPA’s dedication to promoting women’s participation in both democratic processes and economic activities. He emphasized the organization’s mission to foster greater inclusion of women in decision-making roles and business sectors, stressing that registering Women Chambers of Commerce is essential to institutionalize women’s representation in trade and commerce in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Mr. Khattak also provided an overview of CGPA’s ongoing CIPE-funded project, which supports the private sector in keeping civic and business spaces open in KP. He noted that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Women Entrepreneurial Network (KPWEN) is a significant initiative under this project, aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs by providing a provincial-level forum for dialogue. KPWEN offers a platform for women business leaders to share experiences, voice challenges, and advocate for essential policy reforms that enhance women-led businesses through WCCIs.
Women leaders from various Women Chambers of Commerce during panel discussion raised critical issues and offered solutions to enhance the business environment for women:
Speaking on this occasions Ms. Azra Jamshid, President of WCCI Peshawar, called on the government to introduce subsidized schemes for women entrepreneurs and improve coordination between chambers and relevant government departments.
Naeema Naz, President of WCCI Lower Dir, expressed concern over the challenges faced by district-level chambers. She urged the government to support women-led businesses by facilitating business expos to explore market opportunities.
Zahida Akhtar, President of WCCI Mardan, emphasized the need for policy support to promote small industries, calling for government-backed marketing initiatives.
Safia Naz, President of WCCI Charsada, echoed this sentiment, urging the government to support women chambers through exhibitions and display booths at both the district and provincial levels to enhance visibility and market access to women businesses. Similarly, Saima Rizwan, President of WCCI Abbottabad, highlighted issues related to license renewal, pointing out the delays in processing at the federal Directorate General of Trade Organizations (DGTO) office.
She suggested establishing a provincial-level office to expedite these processes. She also suggested business promotion through public private partnership and through small developmental grants.
The Provincial Chief of SMEDA addressed the meeting, focusing on the lengthy documentation and complex regulatory frameworks that hinder women’s businesses. He called on the government to simplify regulations and increase opportunities for women in entrepreneurship education, skill development, and access to finance. He also emphasized the need for public-private partnerships to create a more inclusive business environment for women.
Mr. Ashfaq Masood, Commissioner Inland Revenue of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), outlined the regulatory procedures for business registration and returns filing. He urged women entrepreneurs to ensure that they complete the necessary documentation, including valid CNIC, registered mobile number to streamline the registration process. “Registering your businesses with FBR not only ensures compliance but also opens doors for business expansion and financial opportunities,” Mr.Masood explained. He emphasized that proper registration and documentation would help women entrepreneurs secure loans, gain tax benefits, and improve their overall business operations.
Additionally, the Senior Vice President and Head of MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) recommended the establishment of a Women Financial Services Department to assist women with financial planning and access to loans. He emphasized that fully documented businesses could benefit from Bank of Khyber’s loan schemes and the initiative demonstrate a commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs in KP,by providing access to financial resources and planning assistance.
Speaking in the panel discussion on the “Role of Chamber of Commerce and Industries in Business Strengthening in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” Mahvish Ayub, Head of Strategy at National Incubation Centre (NIC) Peshawar, underscored the vital contribution of business incubation centers like NIC Peshawar in
fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. During her address, Ayub emphasized the center’s commitment to supporting startups through mentorship, access to resources, and capacity-building programs, with a particular focus on empowering women entrepreneurs.
NIC Peshawar is committed to nurturing startups, providing essential support through mentorship, access to resources, and capacity-building programs, particularly for women entrepreneurs in the province. Ayub also stressed the importance of collaboration between the Chamber of Commerce, local government, and incubation centers like NIC Peshawar. Such synergies are essential for ensuring that women-led businesses can thrive in the region The meeting concluded with a strong consensus on the need for urgent legislative action to register Women Chambers of Commerce and Industry and to introduce a provincial-level policy that empowers women-led businesses. KPWEN urged the KP government to prioritize these issues and collaborate with stakeholders to foster an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs across the province.