Islamabad
A one day Design Thinking Workshop Exploring the E-commerce Dynamics was jointly organized by UNDP Pakistan, Daraz, and the Islamia University of Bahawalpur. The purpose of this workshop was to engage relevant stakeholders to understand the needs and challenges faced by micro and small businesses in going digital, and to solicit solutions from relevant stakeholders on how to utilize e-commerce for economic growth and sustainable development, while ensuring that no one is left behind.
Vice-Chancellor, Engr. Prof. Dr. Athar Mahboob, was the Chief Guest of the Event, and said that e-commerce can help reducing poverty, inequality, unemployment, and can help lead towards inclusive economic growth. Prof. Dr. Rubina Bhatti, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, and Focal Person for the event gave the introductory remarks and highlighted the scope and benefits of the collaboration among UNDP, DARAZ, and IUB in promoting E-commerce in the region, and the potential of the local market and products such as traditional and cultural homemade products, that can capture the wider market through digital platforms like Daraz.
She ascertained that e-commerce can support Pakistani and specifically South Punjab artisans to reach international customers.
In her welcome remarks Ms. Amara Durrani, welcomed the academia, traders, and the participants for taking part in the event. Mr. Tony Hulton, Group Head, Corporate Affairs DARAZ, highlighted the significant role of Daraz in providing access to millions of buyers.
The event was attended by Mr. Shoaib Iqbal Syed, Secretary, Planning and Development South Punjab, Mr. Tony Hulton, Group Head Corporate Affairs, DARAZ, Mr. Ahmed Ali Jabbar, Senior Vice President, Mr. Syed Abeer Haider, Secretary General, Bahawalpur Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Ms. Sumaira Malik, Member IUB Syndicate, Ms. Shehla Ehsan Member Ex Committee Director PHA, Mr. Adil Mukhtar, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Mr. Shahzad Ahmed Khalid, Director, Kamyab Jawan, Prof. Dr. Asif Naveed Ranjha, Chairman, Department of Social Work, Dr. Abid Rasheed Gill, Head of Department Economics, Dr. Salman Bin Naeem, Associate Professor, Ms. Meeran Jamal, Gender and Social Protection Analyst, UNDP, Mr. Umar Haroon, Head Market Place, Daraz, Mr. Kamran Pervaiz, Daraz, and representatives from Bahawalpur Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Women Chamber of Commerce, Sanatzars, E-Rozgar, Trade Unions, BISP, NRSP, LPP, Civil Societies, and Welfare Organizations.
