HCSTSI, TDAP jointly organize seminar titled “Inclusion of Women-Led Businesses for Export Readiness, Business Financing

The Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry (HCSTSI), in collaboration with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (Sub-Regional Office Hyderabad), organized a one-day seminar at the Chamber Secretariat

HYDERABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Feb, 2026) The Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry (HCSTSI), in collaboration with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (Sub-Regional Office Hyderabad), organized a one-day seminar at the Chamber Secretariat

titled “Inclusion of Women-Led Businesses for Export Readiness and Business Financing for Startups.”

The seminar aimed to align women-led enterprises with export requirements and to create awareness about financing opportunities available for startups. A large number of business leaders, women entrepreneurs, representatives from the banking sector, and young aspiring entrepreneurs attended the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Senior Vice President of the Chamber, Ahmed Idrees Chohan, emphasized that sustainable economic growth in Pakistan is not possible without the active participation of women. He stated that women constitute nearly half of the country’s population, and if they are provided effective access to export markets, financial resources, and capacity-building opportunities, it would significantly enhance Pakistan’s exports and overall economic

performance.

He further highlighted that the Hyderabad Chamber has consistently played a proactive role in safeguarding

the interests of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), representing the business community at policy-making forums, and maintaining strong liaison with government institutions. Encouraging women entrepreneurs remains one of the Chamber’s key priorities.

On this occasion, Vice President Shan Sehgal appreciated the SME-focused policies of the State Bank of Pakistan and urged all commercial banks to work closely with the Chamber to facilitate business expansion. He advised businessmen and women to register their enterprises with the Chamber to benefit from networking opportunities, market access, and informative programs of this nature. He further stressed the importance of registering business brands and logos to safeguard intellectual property, effectively utilizing social media platforms for marketing, and registering businesses with the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) to minimize procedural hurdles at the governmental level.

He also encouraged participants to connect with TDAP to avail opportunities for participation in national and international exhibitions.

Regional Head TDAP Hyderabad, Salahuddin Abbasi, stated that while doing business in Pakistan presents challenges, TDAP is actively working with chambers of commerce and universities to improve the business environment and create new opportunities. He noted that business is a systematic process requiring research, proper planning, informed decision-making, and strong institutional linkages.

He informed participants that, under the clear directives of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, TDAP in collaboration with banks is working on facilitating easier loan schemes and is reaching out to the wider business community through such seminars. He encouraged youth to bring forward innovative business ideas, assuring them of full support in transforming their ideas into viable ventures.

During the banking session, representatives from Bank Alfalah (Saddar Branch), Habib Metro Bank Islamic Banking, and Faysal Bank provided a comprehensive briefing on low mark-up business financing schemes available through simplified procedures. They highlighted programs including “Mera Kaam Meri Pehchan” and the Prime Minister’s Loan Schemes, and responded in detail to queries raised by traders and women entrepreneurs.

At the conclusion of the seminar, participants termed the initiative timely and highly beneficial, expressing optimism that the continuation of such awareness programs would further empower women entrepreneurs and young startups to expand their businesses at both national and international levels.