FPCCI, UNIDO Bahrain Join Hands to Empower MSMEs and Women Entrepreneurs

This initiative aims to empower micro, small

and medium enterprises (MSMEs)

and women entrepreneurs in Pakistan

Business Reporter

Karachi: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has partnered with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) – ITPO Bahrain to establish Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion (EDIP) centers at FPCCI’s Head Office in Karachi. This initiative aims to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and women entrepreneurs in Pakistan.

The letters of consent were exchanged by Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, Senior Vice President of FPCCI, and H.E. Sheikh Ebrahim Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the International Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, UNIDO – ITPO Bahrain. The signing ceremony, held at Federation House, was attended by prominent business leaders, women entrepreneurs, and representatives from public and private universities across Pakistan.

Support for Startups and MSMEs

Mr. Saquib Fayyaz Magoon highlighted the role EDIP centers will play in supporting women and youth startups, MSMEs, and innovators. He emphasized that specialized capacity-building programs would foster an entrepreneurship ecosystem conducive to innovation and economic growth.

He also shared FPCCI’s priorities, including integrating MSMEs with larger industrial units, providing spaces in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), enhancing technical education, and offering special facilities like interest-free loans. These initiatives aim to promote rural SMEs and reduce migration to urban centers.

Upcoming Sustainable Tourism Forum

Mr. Magoon announced the “Sustainable Tourism Forum” hosted by the Islamic Chamber of Commerce & Development (ICCD) and FPCCI. The event is scheduled for January 30-31, 2025, at FPCCI’s Karachi office and aims to spotlight sustainable tourism initiatives.

Strengthening Investment and Innovation

H.E. Sheikh Ebrahim Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with FPCCI to foster domestic and foreign investments through the EDIP program. He noted that EDIP will significantly support youth and women entrepreneurs by offering specialized programs and resources.

“The establishment of EDIP centers will create a robust innovation ecosystem, empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening partnerships between Pakistan and Arab businesses,” he stated.

This partnership between FPCCI and UNIDO Bahrain marks a major step toward enhancing entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable economic growth in Pakistan.