A delegation of the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry (HCSTSI), under the directives of President Muhammad Saleem Memon, participated in the “SME Mentorship Program” organized by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Hyderabad. Senior Vice President Mr. Ahmed Idrees Chohan led the delegation.
The program aimed to enhance women’s entrepreneurial participation, promote financial inclusion, and provide practical mentorship and guidance to aspiring women entrepreneurs and startups. Various training sessions were conducted focusing on business initiation through online platforms, company registration, taxation matters, financial preparation, banking products, and documentation requirements.
Senior Vice President Mr. Ahmed Idrees Chohan, in his address, highly appreciated the State Bank of Pakistan’s efforts to promote women-led businesses in the country. He stated that SBP’s initiatives are a significant step towards women’s economic empowerment. He emphasized that such programs not only create awareness but also encourage women to step into the business arena with confidence. He further urged that all commercial banks should organize similar mentorship programs to facilitate women’s access to the financial system. He remarked that no society can achieve true progress without the active participation of women.
Vice President Mr. Shan Sehgal, while addressing the session, said that the business community and the banking sector have always been closely linked, and their collaboration is essential for regional economic growth. He reaffirmed that HCSTSI is always ready to collaborate with the State Bank of Pakistan and other financial institutions to promote business activities, particularly in supporting women entrepreneurs. He extended his appreciation to the SBP management for organizing such an impactful program and lauded all women participants for their enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit. He added that women are the true strength of the business community, and it is our collective responsibility to provide them with more opportunities.
Secretary General Mr. Furqan Ahmed Lodhi briefed participants on the benefits of chamber membership, explaining how joining the chamber could help new women entrepreneurs expand their businesses. He highlighted the chamber’s role in promoting trade and industry and emphasized that the HCSTSI platform is open and supportive for all emerging entrepreneurs, particularly women.
Mr. Sabghatullah Loonari hosted the program, while Mr. Adil Zahoor Khokhar, Assistant Chief Manager SBP, and Mr. Abdul Ghafoor, Deputy Chief Manager SBP, also addressed the participants. They elaborated on State Bank’s initiatives in financial inclusion, SME facilities, and special schemes for women entrepreneurs. Mr. Adil Zahoor Khokhar stated that the objective of the State Bank is to provide a strong financial foundation for women entrepreneurs, enabling them to access loans and other financial facilities with ease. Mr. Abdul Ghafoor, in his remarks, emphasized that training, awareness, and economic accessibility for women entrepreneurs are the need of the hour, and the State Bank will continue to take all possible measures to support this cause.
The program was attended by HCSTSI Conveners Mr. Shaikh Ahmed Hussain, Mr. Yaseen Khilji, Mr. Ayoub Shaikh, representatives from the Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry, NGOs, financial institutions, and a large number of businesswomen and entrepreneurs, making it a highly productive and inspiring session.
