RAWALPINDI (Special Correspondent) – The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (RCCI) launched the RCCI Women’s Business & Lifestyle Expo 2026 on 25 October 2026 to foster the expansion of women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and create vital market access for home-based businesses.

Key Points

• The RCCI Women’s Business & Lifestyle Expo 2026 provides a platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase products and services.
• RCCI President Nosherwan Khalil Khan stated that empowering women is crucial for innovation and national economic growth.
• The event facilitated a strategic dialogue between RCCI and the Department of Business Administration at Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU).
• RCCI collaborates with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to implement business-friendly policies.

Driving Economic Growth Through Women Empowerment

Addressing a visiting delegation from the Department of Business Administration at Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU), RCCI President Nosherwan Khalil Khan emphasized that empowering women entrepreneurs is an essential pillar for sustainable economic development. He noted that businesses led by women possess significant untapped potential to contribute to the national economy, provided they receive improved access to wider markets and professional networking channels.

The expo serves as a critical bridge, allowing participants to increase their brand visibility and engage directly with potential customers. Mr. Khan highlighted that such initiatives are instrumental in transforming small-scale home ventures into sustainable, competitive enterprises that can withstand market fluctuations. For further insights on institutional roles in regional commerce, one may refer to discussions on business growth strategies in the broader provincial context.

Strengthening Academia-Industry Linkages

The interaction between the chamber and the FJWU delegation further served to reinforce academia-industry linkages. Discussions were centered on fostering entrepreneurship, enhancing student engagement, and identifying pathways for future collaboration between educational institutions and the private sector. By familiarizing students with contemporary market trends, the chamber aims to reduce the disconnect between theoretical academic learning and practical business operations.

Mr. Khan reaffirmed the commitment of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (RCCI) to maintaining a business-friendly environment. The chamber remains actively engaged with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to facilitate the growth of small firms. As Pakistan continues to evolve, the chamber intends to pursue policies that promote a more inclusive and resilient national economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary objective of the RCCI Women’s Business & Lifestyle Expo 2026?

The expo aims to promote women-led SMEs, support home-based businesses, and create new avenues for women entrepreneurs to showcase their work and connect with customers.

How is the chamber supporting the development of small enterprises?

RCCI collaborates with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) and academic institutions to facilitate policy support and bridge the gap between education and practical business experience.