PESHAWAR
Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Fuad Ishaq urged USAID-ERDA to double the grant, which was being given to youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and newly merged districts (NMDs) for making them economically empowered.
He made this demand while speaking at the concluding ceremony of the first batch of ‘USAID-ERDA Youth Training in Business Planning and Management Program’ in a ceremony held in collaboration with Tie Islamabad at UET CEEC Peshawar here on Thursday.
Keynote speakers at the concluding ceremony were Engr. Dr. Abdul Shakoor, Ms. Sumera Abbasi, Executive Director, TiE Islamabad, Dr. Shakeel Kakakhel, Deputy Chief of Party for USAID’s Economic Recovery and Development Activity (ERDA),
Fuad Ishaq said the newly merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa situation is very challenging for our country, especially the youth of NMDs who are faced with difficult circumstances.
He, however, praised that USAID – ERDA has done exceptional work in empowering the youth of both NMDs and KP by providing a source of income, as job creation in these days is challenging one.
We are blessed to have such a bulk share of youth and by empowering them the country can certainly stride towards success.
The SCCI chief said the youth of NMDs are highly hardworking, and such opportunities will cater their potential to the highest.
Talking about promotion of regional trade, Fuad Ishaq said ample opportunities were available to improve trade with Afghanistan.
He added Afghanistan is now safe for trade, and provides a gateway to Central Asian Republics.
The SCCI chief suggested to USAID – ERDA that the grant of Rs1 million should be increased to Rs2 million.
Fuad Ishaq also demanded soft loans should be provided with mark-up rate (4 – 5%), payable upto 12-years.
He furthermore said DFIs (Development Financial Institutions) along with IDBP (Industrial Development Bank of Pakistan) should be strengthened within our province.
