Women Entrepreneurs in Pakistan Get New Trade and Finance Support

Women entrepreneurs in Pakistan are getting stronger links to trade, finance and business development through the Khadijah Women Entrepreneurship Program, which brought key institutions together in Karachi.

Pakistan Single Window (PSW), in collaboration with the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and Mashreq Bank, hosted a session titled “Access to Opportunity: Enabling Women Entrepreneurs”. The event focused on helping women-led businesses understand export processes, financial services, digital trade and international market access.

Institutions including the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and IBA Centre for Entrepreneurial Development, Innovation & Research also participated.

Mashreq Bank addressed financial inclusion, digital banking and trade finance, while PSW explained how paperless and integrated digital processes can simplify cross-border trade. TDAP shared guidance on export development and international markets, while SMEDA focused on enterprise development and business readiness.

The session also covered business formalisation, e-commerce, regulatory requirements and practical steps for entrepreneurs looking to move from domestic operations towards international trade.

Syed Aftab Haider, CEO of PSW, said the program aims to create practical pathways for women entrepreneurs to participate more effectively in cross-border trade by connecting them with financial, regulatory and enterprise support.

The initiative reflects a growing focus on building stronger institutional connections around women entrepreneurs in Pakistan, giving women-led businesses access to resources that can support their next stage of growth.