In celebration of Women Entrepreneurship Day, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), has reaffirmed its dedication to uplifting women entrepreneurs of Pakistan by addressing the challenges they face. Federal Minister of Industries and Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Secretary of Industries and Production, Mr Saif Anjum and CEO of SMEDA, Mr Socrat Aman Rana, in a meeting held at SMEDA today, expressed a common commitment to creating a conducive business environment for women entrepreneurs in the country.
Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain said this year’s celebration of World Women’s Entrepreneurship Day takes on special significance as SMEDA, under the patronage of MOIP, is poised to introduce a transformative Women Entrepreneurship Policy aimed at fostering growth, enhancing financial inclusion, and increasing market access for women entrepreneurs across the country.
Currently, only 10% of women entrepreneurs have access to formal markets, and just 2% utilize online marketplaces, he said. Likewise, the 34% gender finance gap and the 3.2% share of SME lending directed to women-led enterprises point to significant room for financial inclusion, he said and informed that SMEDA was relentlessly working to bridge these gaps, empowering women entrepreneurs to realize their full potential and become key drivers of Pakistan’s economic future.
Rana Tanveer Hussain praised SMEDA’s efforts to uplift women entrepreneurs and admired the resilience of Pakistani women. “Women Entrepreneurship Day, he said celebrates the immense potential of Pakistan’s women, especially those in rural areas who sustain families and contribute significantly to our economy. The government is committed to breaking down barriers and fostering an ecosystem where women-led businesses can thrive,” he said.
In his statement, Federal Secretary of Industries & Production, Mr. Saif Anjum underscored the ministry’s commitment to building supportive policies for women entrepreneurs. “Women Entrepreneurship Day, ” he said, reflects women’s pivotal role in shaping Pakistan’s economic landscape. He observed that businesswomen’s contributions drive innovation and job creation nationwide.
CEO of SMEDA, Mr. Socrat Aman Rana, highlighted SMEDA’s role as a key partner for women entrepreneurs. “On Women Entrepreneurship Day, we honor the resilience and determination of Pakistan’s women entrepreneurs who drive change and fuel economic growth,” he said. He emphasized that SMEDA’s upcoming Women Entrepreneurship Policy will equip women with the tools and resources to solidify their role in shaping Pakistan’s economic future.
As Pakistan progresses towards an inclusive economic landscape, Women Entrepreneurship Day serves as a reminder of the untapped potential within the women-led business sector, he added and hoped that through the continued support of SMEDA, women entrepreneurs would further be empowered to lead, innovate, and drive the nation’s growth.#