Export Development Fund (EDF) Board have approved the funds for Women Entrepreneurs Skill Development Programme (WSDP) as part of steps being taken by the government to encourage women towards the import and export business. The funding was approved to train women entrepreneurs in marketing skills and product design, officials informed media on Saturday.
According to commerce division sources, 15 percent quota has been reserved for women participation in international trade fairs, exhibitions and delegations while 50 percent subsidy on participation fee is also provided to women entrepreneurs.
The officials stated that WEXNET is organised by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) as the only exhibition for the women entrepreneurs in Pakistan. It provides women entrepreneurs with the opportunities to exhibit their products network and learn to collaborate with each other for mutual benefits.
The product focus for the event is ladies and children garments, woolen, hand-woven shawls, shoes, jewelry, furniture, handicrafts, clay ceramics, dry flowers, gift items of fiberglass and colored glass, jute wood lamps, embroidered items, boutique work, health products, bed linen products and leather products.
Furthermore, the sources said Pakistan’s trade offices abroad facilitate women entrepreneurs in developing market linkages.
Seminars on export-related issues and standards are regularly organized by Trade Development Authority of Pakistan for awareness of the women entrepreneurs. Trade Development Authority of Pakistan arranges events in collaboration with Women Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Skill development and capacity building are handled by training institutes in sectors like textile, leather, surgical and jewelry have been established under the Export Development Fund.
