By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has inaugurated a day care centre to support working women and promote their participation in economic activities.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Women Development Department Sadia Taimoor inaugurated the facility at a ceremony attended by LCCI President Ali Hussam Asghar, Senior Vice President Sardar Usman Ghani, Vice President Chaudhry Khadim Hussain and members of the chamber’s executive committee.
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Speaking at the event, Sadia Taimoor said Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was taking several steps to empower women. She stressed that the government and private sector must work together to strengthen women’s economic independence.
She said women needed access to business financing, practical experience and effective guidance, adding that their capabilities and performance should be recognised. She also called for stronger cooperation between the LCCI and the Women Development Department.
LCCI President Ali Hussam Asghar said the chamber was establishing a dedicated facilitation centre for women. He proposed allocating quotas for women entrepreneurs at international trade exhibitions to help them explore overseas markets and expand their businesses.
Asghar emphasised the need to provide women entrepreneurs with financial assistance, legal guidance and access to international markets. He said stronger links between industry and educational institutions could also create more employment opportunities for women.
He added that women’s economic independence would improve household incomes and contribute to the country’s overall economic development.
LCCI Senior Vice President Sardar Usman Ghani and Vice President Chaudhry Khadim Hussain also stressed the importance of increasing women’s participation in business and commercial activities.
Former LCCI vice presidents Mian Zahid Javed and Faisal Iqbal Sheikh attended the ceremony, along with executive committee members Huma Junaid, Ali Raza, Imran Zaidi, Muhammad Ali, Shah Bahram, Adeel Babar Khan, Shahzad Mahmood and Zulfiqar Ali Chaudhry.
Former executive committee members Syed Yousaf Shah and Mian Imran Asghar, as well as other distinguished guests, were also present.
