‘Easy financing essential for startups, young entrepreneurs, women in business’

LAHORE, Oct 15 (APP): Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Senior Vice President Sardar Usman Ghani said on Thursday that easy access to financing on affordable terms is essential for startups, young entrepreneurs and women in business in Pakistan to turn their ideas into viable enterprises and create new employment opportunities.

He expressed these views during a meeting with a UNICEF delegation headed by Ramiz Behbudov, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF.

Sardar Usman Ghani said that startups often faced financial constraints, limited access to business guidance and difficulties in reaching markets, particularly during their initial stages. Providing loans and other financial facilities on affordable terms could help overcome these barriers, encourage entrepreneurship and promote self-employment among young people.

He said that young entrepreneurs needed access not only to finance but also to business mentorship, market opportunities and an enabling environment in which they could develop and expand their ventures. Supporting startups could generate employment, encourage innovation and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

The LCCI Senior Vice President also underscored the importance of providing women entrepreneurs with equal opportunities, appropriate financial support and effective business guidance. He said greater participation of women in economic activities could improve household incomes, strengthen entrepreneurship and contribute positively to the national economy.

He said that young people should be encouraged not only to seek employment but also to establish businesses, introduce innovative ideas and become job creators. For this purpose, stronger collaboration among financial institutions, government departments, the private sector and development organisations was necessary.

Sardar Usman Ghani described Pakistan’s youth as a valuable national asset and said their potential needed to be channelled into productive economic activities. He expressed hope that cooperation among relevant institutions would be strengthened to promote youth development, economic inclusion and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Ramiz Behbudov, UNICEF Chief of Field Office, agreed with the views expressed by the LCCI Senior Vice President and highlighted the importance of cooperation among different sectors in developing young people’s capabilities, expanding their access to opportunities and ensuring their meaningful participation in society and the economy.

He also briefed Sardar Usman Ghani on UNICEF’s activities in Pakistan and discussed the importance of collaborative efforts to support development priorities.

The meeting highlighted the need for coordinated action to improve access to finance, encourage entrepreneurship and create more opportunities for young people and women to participate in economic activities. Both sides recognised the importance of cooperation in supporting inclusive development and enabling the next generation of entrepreneurs to contribute to Pakistan’s economic progress.