Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad, Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Lahore Division, & Uzbekistan Business Women Association, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

On 19th November 2020, the inaugural session of the Online Training Week “Pakistan-Uzbekistan Women Entrepreneurs in Textile Industry” was jointly organized by the Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad, Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry (WCCI), Lahore Division, and Uzbekistan Business Women Association, Tashkent.
The Inaugural session was attended by prominent speakers from the Ministry of Study Organizations, Uzbekistan, and Uzbekistan Business Women Associations.
Ms. Gulnora Makhmudova, Chairperson, Uzbekistan Business Women Association in her opening remarks stated that the Online Training Week “Pakistan-Uzbekistan Women Entrepreneurs in Textile Industry” is a great collaborative initiative of CGSS, WCCI, and Uzbekistan Business Women Association. Ms. Gulnora further mentioned that initiatives like these will help in bridging the gap between the women entrepreneurs from Pakistan and Uzbekistan. Ms. Makhmudova also stated that for a state to develop, the participation of women at all levels is imperative. So, there is a dire need to spread awareness and provide the appropriate platforms to women especially to help them in exploring new business opportunities for women entrepreneurs from both countries. For this, we have gathered here today with remarkable women from this field not only in Pakistan but Uzbekistan also.
The representative speaker of the Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad Ms. Minahil Shawal Afridi, Research Executive, CGSS mentioned that entrepreneurship contributes greatly to the global economy as well as enhancing productivity and capacity of the economy. Women's participation in economic activities is extremely significant and it plays a vital role in the national development and social well-being of a society, and the country at large. Ms. Afridi also mentioned that women are very determined and very dedicated to move ahead and to work hard to achieve success in their lives and to do something beneficial for not only themselves but for their families and their country. However, they are not always given the right platform to excel and prove themselves.
Dr. Shehla Javed, Founder of All Pakistan Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry, representing Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Lahore Division appreciated the active role of CGSS in initiating projects where women are provided opportunities for empowerment and developing linkages between women entrepreneurs from Pakistan and rest of the Eurasian Region. Furthermore, Dr. Shehla highlighted the significant role played by WCCI in empowering women from all backgrounds and having diverse expertise. Dr. Shehla further mentioned that the Online Training Week “Pakistan-Uzbekistan Women Entrepreneurs in textile Industry” is a great collaborative effort of CGSS, WCCI, and Uzbekistan Business Women Association in enhancing bilateral entrepreneurial relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
The inaugural session was also addressed by other entrepreneurs from Uzbekistan and attended by 76 participants from both countries.