United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai joined Pakistan’s Minister of Commerce Syed Naveed Qamar in Washington, D.C. to discuss on gender equity and equality. They affirmed a mutual commitment to advancing programs and policies that elevate women’s role in Pakistan’s long-term economic growth.
The Trade Representative and the Minister for Commerce recognized the importance of women for sustainable economic growth and expressed their support for integrating women-owned businesses into value chains, which will promote competitiveness and supply chain resilience. Minister Qamar conveyed that the Commerce Ministry and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) are both committed to boosting women’s business enterprises this year. During the 18th Organization of Islamic Cooperation Trade fair, 56 member states will participate to promote women entrepreneurs.
Additionally, the two countries expressed their intent to create mentorship and education opportunities for women workers and entrepreneurs. Ambassador Tai and Minister Qamar highlighted their successful collaboration and expressed their intent to strengthen the U.S.-Pakistan Women’s Council and other women’s economic empowerment forums. Minister Syed Naveed Qamar highlighted the Women Entrepreneurship Development Plan, introduced by TDAP and the Ministry of Commerce, which aims to strengthen women’s business skills through extensive training.
USTR and the Ministry of Commerce recognized the structural social and economic barriers to gender equity and equality. They resolved to improve equitable access to information, which remains a pre-requisite for boosting women’s participation in the global economy. The countries supported continued work to increase regulatory transparency, improved inclusivity in the rulemaking process, and encouraged the participation of women-owned businesses and in Pakistan’s commercial and economic fabric.
