Islamabad (TDI): Deputy Head of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) Dr Rajan Sudesh Ratna said on Wednesday Pakistan should revise and update its 2019 e-commerce policy to support the country’s digital growth.
He was speaking at a workshop hosted by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI).
In his address, Dr Ratna said Pakistan could not meet current demands without adapting to new trends in the e-commerce sector. His session equipped women entrepreneurs with essential digital marketing and e-commerce skills, crucial for success in today’s digital landscape.
The FPCCI hosted the event in partnership with the SAARC Chamber Women Entrepreneur Council (SCWEC) and UNESCAP’s South and South-West Office.
Read More: Pakistan’s Silicon Valley: A Blueprint for Innovation
FPCCI President Atif Ikraam appreciated Dr Ratna’s insights. He noted that these skills are invaluable for women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for women entrepreneurs to expand their businesses by learning directly from Dr. Ratna’s expertise,” he stated.
On the occasion, SCWEC Chairperson Hina Mansab Khan highlighted the role of e-commerce in enhancing market access and increasing sales for women-owned SMEs.
Meanwhile, Executive Committee Member of SAARC CCI (Pakistan) Zubair Ahmed Malik acknowledged Dr Ratna’s dedication to advancing digital skills among women and his continued support for fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.
Read More: Uzbekistan, Pakistan Sign MoUs on E-Commerce
Secretary General Zulfiqar Ali Butt welcomed Dr Ratna and the participants, emphasizing the importance of initiatives like these for empowering entrepreneurs.
The workshop covered key topics such as an Introduction to Digital Marketing, E-commerce, Product Development, and Branding.
It offered practical advice on building an online presence and effective branding. By training a new group of trainers in Pakistan, SCWEC, UNESCAP, and FPCCI aim to create a ripple effect, encouraging more women to launch and manage online businesses, especially those balancing work with home responsibilities.