At the launch event of the eagerly awaited report titled "State of Youth Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Pakistan," jointly organized by the Commonwealth Secretariat, UNDP Pakistan, and the Islamic Development Bank, key figures gathered in Islamabad to unveil insights into Pakistan's youth entrepreneurship landscape.
Chairman Rana Mashood Ahmed Khan of the Prime Minister's Youth Programme, in his keynote address, praised the collaborative effort behind the report and reiterated the government's steadfast support for youth entrepreneurship.
Chairman Rana Mashood Ahmed Khan highlighted the impactful strides made by the Prime Minister's Youth Programme in fostering entrepreneurship nationwide. He emphasized the success of the Prime Minister's Youth Business Loan Scheme, which has allocated Rs 83.6 billion to young entrepreneurs, including 16,000 female entrepreneurs, since its revival by Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shebaz Sharif in January 2023. This initiative has empowered 140,000 youths, spanning agriculture, microfinance, and interest-free ventures, enabling them to translate innovative ideas into thriving businesses.
Additionally, Chairman Rana Mashood Ahmed Khan underscored the significance of the National Innovation Award, offering financial support, mentorship, and incubation resources to nurture young entrepreneurs and instill a culture of innovation in Pakistan.
"I am thrilled to witness the launch of the 'State of Youth Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Pakistan' report, offering invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities for young entrepreneurs," remarked Chairman Rana Mashood Ahmed Khan. "The Prime Minister's Youth Programme is dedicated to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs, and we urge our partners in development and the private sector to collaborate on the report's recommendations."
The launch event convened government officials, development partners, private sector representatives, and aspiring entrepreneurs to strategize on enhancing Pakistan's entrepreneurship ecosystem and fostering sustainable economic growth.