Pak launches Business Growth Centre for women

The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and First Women Bank Limited (FWBL) on Tuesday inaugurated first-ever Business Growth Centre (BGC) of Pakistan to enhance the ability, mobility, visibility and connectivity of women entrepreneurs. BGC is result of joint effort of UNIDO’s Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme (WEDP) and FWBL. UNIDO-WED Project Manager Inez Wijngaarde inaugurated the BGC while SVP, FWBL Parveen Khan, National Programme Co-ordinator UNIDO Shahina Waheed, and representatives of different organisations were also present on the ocassion. Speaking at the cermoney, Wijngaarde said that we are pioneer in introducing creative industries in Pakistan, which is home to a rich cultural heritage. “We specifically focus on promoting gender integration in creative, non-traditional sub-sectors of marble mosaic, inlay and handicrafts, home textiles, gems and jewellery,” she said. Speaking at the occasion Shahina Waheed said: “The BGC will serve as a facilitation unit to inform, enhance and connect BGC member organisations that work with micro, small and medium enterprises owned and managed by women entrepreneurs.”