LAHORE (APP) - Economic empowerment of women in the country would have multiplier effect on Pakistan economy and the government ought to promote women entrepreneurs in the country as its top priority. This was stated by Tariq Sayeed, President SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAARC CCI) during his special address at the launching ceremony of South Punjab Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SPWCCI). He said that Women in Pakistan constituted about 50% of the total population; however, their share in the total labour force of 50.5 million was only 20%, as compared with 35% in Bangladesh, 34% in India, 32% in Sri Lanka, which clearly indicates serious issue of gender gap prevalent in the labour market. Govt should make sincere efforts to main streaming the female through targeted programs, which will ensure empowerment of women and help achieving sustainable economic development of the country said Tariq Sayeed and added that Pakistani women were second to none of the world provided they are facilitated with adequate education, vocational training, and skill development provisions by GoP Referring some studies done on women entrepreneurship, he said that difficulties in access to finance, access to markets and access to training are the identified problem being faced by women entrepreneurs in Pakistan and proposed establishment of some funding agency in Pakistan on pattern of Grameen Bank in Bangladesh that could help transforming women folk into a dynamic entrepreneurial force. President South Punjab Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mrs. Aneela Iftikhar and VP SAARC CCI, Pakistan chapter Iftikhar Ali Malik were also present on the occasion. He also suggested the government to encourage participation of Women Entrepreneurs in the International Fairs and Exhibitions to be fully supported by the Government, which will not only promote value-add products but also bring enormous foreign exchange for the country. President SAARC CCI also invited the attention of PM towards such economic issues encountered by the Private Sector of Pakistan as the result of current economic policies pursued by the current Govt. He requested the Prime Minister to play his effective mediatory role as he played in resolving political matters. In wake of the current global economic recession and unfavourable business policies, the Private sector of the country was under huge pressure and its survival both in domestic and international markets has become convoluted, said President SAARC CCI and urged for immediate resolution of economic issues before they become part of upcoming fiscal and trade policy.He said that the business community was expecting business friendly budget and trade policy for the next fiscal year.