PSW and TDAP Collaborate to Empower Women Entrepreneurs in Sialkot

WNAM REPORT: Pakistan Single Window (PSW), in collaboration with Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and Sialkot Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SWCCI), held its latest onsite Khadijah Women Entrepreneurship Program in Sialkot. The event equipped women entrepreneurs with practical knowledge on cross-border trade, e-commerce, digital marketing, customs procedures, access to finance, and the emerging opportunities in green and sustainable trade, enabling them to scale their businesses for export.
As a flagship initiative to modernize and digitalize cross-border trade, PSW has been advancing women’s participation in international markets through the Khadijah Program. The initiative, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, combines trade facilitation with capacity building and was recently recognized with the prestigious WTO Global Award for Gender Equality in Trade. By promoting inclusive, green, and digitally enabled trade, PSW continues to position Pakistan’s entrepreneurs for global competitiveness.
TDAP, through its Women Entrepreneurship Division, has long been supporting women-led businesses by offering training, market linkages, and opportunities to showcase their products in international markets. Its collaboration with PSW in Sialkot aims to prepare women entrepreneurs not only to understand trade and regulatory requirements but also to meet sustainability standards increasingly valued by international buyers.
Mr. Aftab Haider, CEO of PSW, emphasized the program’s role in shaping future-ready trade:
“At Pakistan Single Window, we are committed to empowering women entrepreneurs as active participants in global markets. With TDAP, we are placing stronger focus on sustainable and green trade so that women-led businesses in Pakistan can meet international compliance and environmental benchmarks. By combining digitalization, gender inclusion, and sustainability, we are building a more competitive and resilient cross-border trade ecosystem that supports long-term growth.”
Ms. Mahina Ghalib, Deputy Director, TDAP Women Entrepreneurship Division, said: “Through this collaboration with PSW, we are extending greater opportunities to women entrepreneurs across Pakistan, particularly those from regions where access to resources and markets is limited. By connecting them with training, mentorship, and digital trade facilitation, we are ensuring that women are not only included in Pakistan’s trade journey but also leading it with innovation and resilience.”
Dr. Mariam Nouman, President of The Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry Sialkot (WCCIS), attended as Chief Guest and praised the initiative. “The Khadijah program provides women entrepreneurs in Sialkot with the tools and confidence to reach global markets while preparing them for the rising demand for sustainable and green trade. This is a timely step for a city like Sialkot, which plays a vital role in Pakistan’s export economy, and we are committed to supporting these efforts further.”
The event also featured expert-led sessions on finance, international marketing, networking, digitalization, compliance, and sustainability. These interactive discussions offered practical guidance to help participants strengthen their businesses, explore export opportunities, and adopt environmentally responsible practices.
The Khadijah Program continues to serve as a cornerstone of Pakistan Single Window’s (PSW) commitment to advancing gender equality and promoting sustainable trade. Through strategic collaborations with key organizations, including TDAP’s Women Entrepreneurship Division, the program is driving meaningful inclusion of women entrepreneurs in global supply chains.
By leveraging these partnerships, the Khadijah Program empowers women-led businesses with the tools, knowledge, and access needed to compete effectively in international markets. This initiative reflects PSW’s broader vision of creating a more inclusive and resilient trade ecosystem in Pakistan.