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KARACHI July 6,2026 : The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization’s Investment and Technology Promotion Office (UNIDO-ITPO) Bahrain agreed to deepen cooperation to promote SMEs, entrepreneurship, investment and skills development in Pakistan.
FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh welcomed Dr. Hashim Hussain, Head of UNIDO-ITPO Bahrain, during his visit to the FPCCI headquarters. He said the visit marks another milestone in expanding collaboration on SME development, innovation, vocational training and private sector growth.
Atif Ikram Sheikh reaffirmed FPCCI’s commitment to working with international organizations to create new opportunities for businesses, especially women and young entrepreneurs. He said the partnership will focus on capacity building, technology transfer, international networking and sustainable economic development.
During his three-day visit to Karachi, Dr. Hashim Hussain met FPCCI Senior Vice President Saquib Fayyaz Magoon to discuss SME development, women and youth entrepreneurship, vocational training, investment promotion, access to finance and other initiatives to strengthen the private sector.
Senior officials of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) also joined the discussions and explored ways to enhance institutional cooperation between FPCCI, TDAP and UNIDO-ITPO Bahrain.
In addition, Dr. Hussain held an interactive session with women and young entrepreneurs at FPCCI. Participants highlighted the need for better international networking, technical training, easier access to finance, business mentoring and support for entering new export markets.
Dr. Hussain appreciated their enthusiasm and reaffirmed UNIDO-ITPO Bahrain’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs through knowledge sharing, capacity building and international collaboration.
He also met business leaders from Balochistan to discuss vocational training, entrepreneurship, market access, trading centres and technical assistance to unlock the province’s economic potential.
Furthermore, Dr. Hussain interacted with startups under FPCCI’s Launchpad Programme. The discussion focused on innovation, startup growth, access to finance, international partnerships and opportunities in technology-driven businesses. He praised the Launchpad Programme for nurturing young entrepreneurs and promoting innovation.
As part of his visit, Dr. Hussain met the president and senior management of Meezan Bank to discuss expanding financial support for SMEs, strengthening banking services and exploring joint initiatives to promote entrepreneurship, industrial development and sustainable economic growth.
Concluding the visit, Atif Ikram Sheikh expressed confidence that the partnership will lead to practical initiatives in SME development, investment promotion, innovation, skills training and international business collaboration. He also reaffirmed FPCCI’s commitment to connecting Pakistan’s private sector with leading international development organizations.
