Punjab Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain says rapid and sustainable economic growth is not possible without the active participation of women in the economy
LAHORE: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-Feb 3rd, 2026) Punjab Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain met a delegation of the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) Gujrat, led by its President Saima Sarfraz, to discuss measures aimed at expanding economic opportunities for women.
The meeting was held at PESC House, where the minister assured the delegation that all legitimate concerns would be addressed.
Addressing the delegation, Chaudhry Shafay Hussain said that rapid and sustainable economic growth is not possible without the active participation of women in the economy. He highlighted what he described as “historic steps” taken by Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif over the past two years to promote women’s development and empowerment, adding that women are benefiting from the Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme.
The minister announced that the Punjab Small Industries Corporation is set to launch two interest-free loan schemes within the next two months—one for graduates of Women Business Incubation Centers and another for artisans. Under both schemes, eligible applicants will be able to access loans of up to Rs500,000 to support their business ventures.
He further said that a Business Facilitation Center is being established in Gujrat, which will include a Women Business Incubation Center. The second floor of the Gujrat Industrial Estate will be dedicated to training women investors, who will also be provided with interest-free loans to initiate and expand their businesses. A suitable office space will be allocated for the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry Gujrat.
Chaudhry Shafay Hussain said a province-wide program has been launched to improve infrastructure in small industrial estates. He added that Gujrat’s industrial estate will be upgraded, and a new industrial estate will be developed in the city later this year, with a separate block reserved for women investors.
The minister also outlined key development initiatives for Gujrat, including the establishment of the city’s first international-standard ceramics laboratory, the launch of a modern sewerage system with an estimated cost of Rs20 billion, and the installation of a new traffic light system, for which Rs25 million has already been approved. He said the expansion of the Service Mor Bridge has also been approved.
Criticizing previous administrations, the minister said earlier governments failed to complete development projects and focused on commissions, while the current government is ensuring the timely and transparent execution of schemes. He added that a new industrial policy is being introduced to boost economic activity across Punjab.
The delegation thanked the provincial minister for the government’s initiatives to create greater economic opportunities for investors. WCCI Gujrat President Saima Sarfraz said Chaudhry Shafay Hussain had upheld the industry-friendly legacy of Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain by addressing their demands and strengthening the confidence of the business community.
Managing Director PESC Mubeen Elahi, directors of the Punjab Small Industries Corporation and other relevant officials were also present at the meeting.
