OUR STAFF REPORTER LAHORE - Chairperson LCCI Women Empowerment and Advocacy Forum MNA Shireen Arshad Khan on Saturday said that a proposal was under consideration to allocate 20 per cent seats in all Fashion Designing Institutes (FDIs) working under Ministry of Commerce for poor skilled women. The MNA was speaking at a seminar on the Importance of Fashion and Trend Forecast in Apparel Business organised by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Saturday. LCCI President Shahzad Ali Malik, Vice President Sohail Azhar, MPA Mrs Ghazala Saad Rafique, Principal Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design Ms Hina Tayyaba, Chairman Skill Development Council Rehmatullah Javaid and renowned designer Yasir Waheed also spoke on the occasion. Shireen Khan said that the proposal for imparting training to needy skilful women was prepared because the talented women were unable to make a mark in the international market. This was because they did not have a certificate from any reputed institution, a pre-requisite to enter world market, she stressed. Stressing the need for promoting branding culture in Pakistan, she said the private sector would have to work out methodology to this regard to wear off the intensity of present day economic meltdown. The MNA said that women constitute more than half of our population but their natural creative abilities are not unutilized therefore there is a dire need to encourage them in join mainstream economy. Their participation in business will change complexion of society and perception of the country, she added. Speaking on the occasion, Shahzad Ali Malik said that in recent years government has been focusing more on the development of women entrepreneurs in the country but due attention is needed by offering focused opportunities in export of goods to international market. The products prepared by women entrepreneurs should be allowed concession in taxes, she said. He urged the gov to come up with a more aggressive package for the women entrepreneurs. Shahzad Malik urging the women to come forward and show their abilities said that the conditions have much improved in Pakistan, both in rural and urban areas. Todays women are well aware of their rights, are equally educated and are entering into non-traditional businesses like boutiques, textile designing, printing and publishing, architecture, banking, I.T., business management and fashion designing, he added. Shahzad said that women entrepreneurs with their flair and aesthetic sense are introducing designer products related to garments, shoes, boutiques, jewellery, ladies hand bags and some other accessories, he added. He said the LCCI will leave no stone unturned for the betterment of women entrepreneurs. He said that women workers should acquire modern techniques for business promotion and come forward with new ideas. Skill enhancement of women and their economic independence is need of the hour. He said that the LCCI would continue to conduct such seminars to update its members so that they could enhance their productivity & profitability and contribute to economic growth of the country.