QUETTA, Oct 31 (APP): The two-day Women Entrepreneurs Expo, titled WEXNET, organized by the Balochistan Board of Investment and Trade (BBoIT) in collaboration with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), commenced at the BUITEMS Expo Centre, Quetta. The exhibition was inaugurated by Adviser to CM. Balochistan for Women Development Dr. Rubaba Buledi.
The opening ceremony was attended by Vice Chairman Balochistan Board of Investment and Trade Bilal Khan Kakar, Engineer Zamrak Khan Achakzai, TDAP Secretary Shehryar Taj, Vice Chancellor BUITEMS Professor Dr. Khalid Hafeez, Chamber of Commerce representative Jangiyan Dashti, PHDEC Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Naseer, and other prominent personalities.
Addressing the ceremony, Dr. Rubaba buledi said that all initiatives aimed at the development, welfare, and economic empowerment of women in Balochistan would receive her full support.
She said that promoting women in the business sector and taking locally produced goods to international markets was their shared vision.
She added that the Women Development Department would play its role in promoting women-led businesses, creating opportunities for their participation in economic activities, facilitating financial assistance and access to loans, and addressing the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. She further stated that approximately 100 stalls had been established at this year’s exhibition, while efforts would be made to increase the number to around 300 stalls in the next edition, providing more women with opportunities to showcase their products and entrepreneurial capabilities.
Vice Chairman BBoIT Bilal Khan Kakar, in his address, thanked Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan and said that the initiative aimed at promoting women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment in Balochistan had the full support of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti. He said that the Balochistan Board of Investment and Trade was committed to making women economically self-reliant and providing them with effective opportunities to establish and expand their businesses. Initiatives such as WEXNET would help women showcase their products, establish business linkages, and gain access to national and international markets. He said that the women of Balochistan possessed immense potential, and what they needed were appropriate platforms, facilities, and opportunities to play an effective role in the province’s economy.
Addressing the ceremony, Engineer Zamrak Khan Achakzai appreciated the organization of WEXNET and said that holding such business and economic activities was particularly important given the prevailing circumstances in Balochistan. He said that such initiatives not only encouraged women but also contributed to creating a positive business environment and strengthening economic activities in the province. He emphasized the need to continue organizing such events.
TDAP Secretary Shehryar Taj, in his address, spoke about the background and evolution of WEXNET, stating that the initiative was launched in 2000 and approximately 12 exhibitions had been organized across the country so far. He said that Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan had also personally desired to provide women in Balochistan with a platform where they could promote their businesses, showcase their products, highlight their capabilities, and establish their identity at national and international levels. He added that WEXNET was an important step in this direction, helping women entrepreneurs connect with new markets, buyers, and business opportunities.
Vice Chancellor BUITEMS Professor Dr. Khalid Hafeez also addressed the ceremony and highlighted the importance of women’s entrepreneurial development and providing them with opportunities to play an effective role in economic activities. Chamber of Commerce representative Jangiyan Dashti and other speakers also appreciated the initiative and emphasized the importance of such platforms in addressing the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, improving the marketing of their products, and strengthening business linkages.
It is pertinent to mention that the two-day WEXNET Women Entrepreneurs Expo is being held on October 31 and November 1 at the BUITEMS Expo Centre, Quetta. Women entrepreneurs from different parts of Balochistan are showcasing their locally produced goods, handicrafts, and other products. The exhibition aims to provide women with a platform to explore business opportunities, promote their products, establish connections with buyers, and introduce locally manufactured products to national and international markets.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
