-CGSS, WCCI jointly organize online training workshop
By Ajmal Khan Yousafzai
ISLAMABAD: Online Training Week on “Pakistan-Uzbekistan Women Entrepreneurs in Textile Industry†was jointly organized by the Center of Global and Strategic Studies (CGSS) Islamabad, Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry (WCCI), Lahore Division, and Uzbekistan Business Women Association, Tashkent.
The session aimed to bring together business experts and women entrepreneurs from Uzbekistan and Pakistan on one platform to discuss and exchange ideas for the strengthening of bilateral ties between the business communities of both countries.
The session was commenced with a panel discussion with speakers from Uzbekistan and Pakistan and was moderated by Ms. Palwasha Nawaz, Project Executive, CGSS & Director, Women Wing, Uzbekistan Pakistan Business Council, and Ms. Odilbekova Dilnoza Muradalievna, Business Coach, Association of Business Women, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The discussion was initiated by Ms. Yunusova Zamira Gafarova from Uzbekistan. She stated that it is very important to develop a relationship between the entrepreneurs of Pakistan and Uzbekistan. In the past few years, the bilateral ties are increasing and we are thankful to our friends in Pakistan and Uzbekistan. She mentioned they had a successful interaction with women entrepreneurs of Lahore during the fashion week. She appreciated the session and suggested that we must organize more joint online conferences as well.
Ms. Qaisra Sheikh, Coordinator, Women Entrepreneur Seat, FPCCI highlighted that Pakistan is one of the largest manufacturers in the Textile industry. It is one of the most important sectors for the economy of Pakistan. She mentioned that because the wave of COVID-19 is much lesser in Pakistan compared to other countries, Pakistan has been receiving many international orders. She also stated that the Pakistan government has given important initiatives to the Women Chambers. She emphasized that Pakistan and Uzbekistan must work together for trade enhancements and inter-governmental projects in various sectors. Uzbekistan is the best cotton producer and Pakistan is the best in manufacturing we should combine our strengths to enhance our economies.
Prof Dr. Ahmed Bilal, Head of Design Department, College of Arts and Design, Punjab University, Lahore discussed that there are a lot of things and aspects that must be shown and displayed on the mainstream media. Talking about the media perspective he mentioned that we are searching for inspiring stories from the women entrepreneurs of Uzbekistan and Pakistan that display the culture and of both countries. He highlighted that it is important to share stories of both sides so students can relate to the textile and entrepreneurs of Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
Ms. Shah Bano, CEO Malkani & Shahbano Official, Pakistan suggested initiating exchange programs for the designers of Pakistan and Uzbekistan. She stated that this may help in better understanding the culture and traditional designs of Uzbekistan.
Ms. Shah Bano emphasized that the government of Uzbekistan and Pakistan should collaborate to initiate a brand that represents the cultures of both countries. She also advised the panel for increased online platforms for better people to people contact.
Ms. Kamola Tashmatov, Senior Researcher, Institute of History, Uzbekistan, discussed the history of the textile industry in Uzbekistan. She discussed that since the beginning of time, Uzbekistan has been on the main route of the Silk Road. She highlighted that the Uzbek cotton and Uzbek fabrics are famous globally, and we will be glad to further strengthen our trade with Pakistan.
Ms. Asna Mubashara, Assistant Professor of Textile Design, College of Arts & Design, Punjab University, Lahore highlighted the significance of involving academia in discussions. She stated that Punjab University, Lahore is one of the oldest institutions in the region and we have talented students who are willing to showcase their work in Uzbekistan. She invited entrepreneurs from Uzbekistan to visit Punjab University, Lahore, and interact with the students and faculty of the College of Arts and Designs.
Dr. Naeela Aamir, Associate Professor, College of Arts & Design, University of Lahore discussed the similarities between the cultured and languages of Uzbekistan and Pakistan. She suggested exchange programs for the students and professors of Pakistan to visit Uzbekistan and learn about the culture and traditions there. She also Welcomed faculty members from Uzbekistan’s Universities to Punjab University, Lahore so students in Pakistan can be familiarized with the cultural significance of specific colors motifs, and symbolism in Uzbekistan’s textile and fashion.
Prof. Dr. Samina Nasim, Head of Fine Arts Department, University College of Arts & Design, appreciated the discussion and highlighted that students and professors must learn about the new techniques and technologies in the textile industry. She specifically suggested increasing the exchange of information from the experts in Uzbekistan and Pakistan through symposiums, seminars, joint workshops, lectures, and interactive sessions.
Nadeem Alam, Assistant Professor, College of Arts & Design, Punjab University, Lahore stated that the academia of Uzbekistan and Pakistan must introduce textile designing as a subject from the primary level. He stated that students should know about the basic and simple techniques, designs, and knowledge regarding this sector. He further suggested that students from Pakistan and Uzbekistan should be introduced to the cultural similarities of both countries for enhanced cooperation in the textile and academic sector.
Mr. Jasur Saidahmedov, Third Secretary, Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan discussed the statistics of Pakistan and Uzbekistan trade in the past few years. He discussed that we have seen a significant rise in the trade volume. He further suggested that Uzbekistan is willing to trade its finest cotton and fabric as well to partners in Pakistan.
The women entrepreneurs and business community from the Republic of Uzbekistan highly appreciated the panelists from Pakistan and welcomed all kinds of cooperation in the field of textile, fashion, and academia as well. They extended gratitude to the Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad, Pakistan for organizing this informative session.
The session was concluded by closing remarks of Lt. Col Saadullah Tashmatov, Chargé d’affaires, Embassy of Uzbekistan, Pakistan. He stated that this online training week was a milestone in developing relations between the entrepreneur and business communities of Pakistan and Uzbekistan. He highlighted that Pakistan and Uzbekistan enjoy brotherly ties and we look forward to enhancing them further with the help of our women entrepreneurs of Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
Ms. Minahil Shawal Afridi, Research Executive, CGSS in her concluding remarks, thanked the panelists and participants from Pakistan and Uzbekistan and stated that CGSS will be organizing more conferences and seminars for our sisters in Uzbekistan and Pakistan.
The Online Training Week was concluded by presenting certificates of appreciation to the organizers including, Ms. Odilbekova Dilnoza Muradalievna, Business Coach, Association of Business Women, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Ms. Kamola Tashmatov, Senior Researcher, Institute of History, Uzbekistan and Ms. Palwasha Nawaz, Project Executive, CGSS & Director, Women Wing, Uzbekistan Pakistan Business Council. The online training session was attended by 70 participants from Uzbekistan and Pakistan including women entrepreneurs and business experts.
