LAHORE:Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain has announced that Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) would launch a new interest-free loan scheme for graduates of Women Business Incubation Centres, alongside a separate scheme for artisans.
Both programmes are expected to be rolled out within the next two months, offering interest-free loans of up to Rs500,000. He added that trained women entrepreneurs would be extended interest-free financing to help them start or expand businesses.
He made this announcement during his meeting with a delegation of Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) Gujrat which called on him at the PSIC House on Tuesday. The measures aimed at expanding economic opportunities for women were discussed during the meeting.
The meeting focused on easing structural and financial barriers faced by women entrepreneurs, particularly in smaller cities. The provincial minister assured the delegation that all legitimate issues raised by the delegation would be addressed on a priority basis.
Speaking on the occasion, Chaudhry Shafay said that sustainable and rapid economic growth could not be achieved without the meaningful participation of women in business and industry. He noted that the Punjab govt had taken historic steps over the past two years to promote women’s empowerment. He said women entrepreneurs were already benefiting from the CM’s Easy Business Finance Scheme, while additional initiatives were in the pipeline.
The minister said Gujrat would also see the establishment of a Business Facilitation Centre, along with a dedicated Women Business Incubation Centre. The incubation facility will be set up on the second floor of the Gujrat Industrial Estate to provide technical and entrepreneurial training to women investors. In addition, a suitable location will be provided for the office of WCCI Gujrat to strengthen its institutional presence in the city.
