TIMES REPORT
PESHAWAR: A delegation of the Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry (WCCI) Peshawar Division, led by President Ms. Quratulain, met with Federal Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb to discuss measures aimed at strengthening women’s economic participation and promoting women-led businesses across Pakistan.
The delegation urged the government to introduce a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Certification through Women Chambers of Commerce, saying the initiative would help identify genuine women-owned enterprises and enable them to benefit from tax incentives, preferential public procurement, and gender-responsive budgeting. The Chamber also called for dedicated credit lines, subsidized industrial plots, greater representation of women on corporate and public sector boards, inclusion in international trade delegations, the establishment of a dedicated Expo Centre for women entrepreneurs, and reforms to address taxation, SECP, and CDC-related issues.
Responding to the proposals, Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb acknowledged the vital role of women entrepreneurs in Pakistan’s economy and assured the delegation of the government’s commitment to expanding women’s participation in economic decision-making. He pledged to explore mechanisms for improving access to finance, facilitating subsidized industrial plots, promoting women’s representation on boards, and encouraging their participation in international trade missions.
The minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparent tax reforms, stating that harassment by tax authorities would not be tolerated. He encouraged the Chamber to continue promoting entrepreneurship, digital literacy, skills development, and workforce participation among women, stressing that greater inclusion of women in the formal economy is essential for Pakistan’s sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to continue close coordination on policy reforms aimed at strengthening women-owned enterprises and creating a more inclusive and competitive business environment.
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