Entrepreneurship essential for job creation: ICCI President

ISLAMABAD: President of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Mohammad Zikria Akbar Zia has called for transforming Pakistan’s youth potential into productive economic opportunities through entrepreneurship, innovation, and business startups.

Zia stated this while addressing the Business Idea Competition 2026 ceremony held here on Saturday. The event was jointly organised by the ICCI, Mera Brand Pakistan, the Business Incubation Centre of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), and industry partners.

Stressing the importance of empowering young people to establish successful enterprises, Zia said entrepreneurship was essential for job creation, industrial growth, and export expansion.

He said Pakistan’s talented youth possessed the creativity and potential to transform innovative ideas into commercially viable businesses. He emphasised that effective mentorship, practical training, access to finance, and stronger academia-industry linkages were crucial to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.

The ICCI president encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to identify market opportunities, embrace modern technologies, maintain high quality standards, and develop sustainable business models with the potential to expand beyond domestic markets. He added that connecting young innovators with investors, experienced business leaders, and industry mentors could help bridge the gap between creative ideas and successful commercial ventures.

Speaking on the occasion, ICCI Senior Vice President Mohammad Ashfaq Hussain Chatha highlighted the importance of building a supportive ecosystem in which young entrepreneurs could access professional guidance, business development resources, and institutional support.

He said initiatives such as the Business Idea Competition 2026 provided an important platform for identifying emerging talent, encouraging creative thinking, and preparing young people to contribute meaningfully to economic activity and employment generation.

ICCI Vice President Mohammad Waqas Khan urged participants to translate their ideas into practical business ventures through careful planning, determination, and effective execution. He reaffirmed the ICCI’s commitment to supporting youth-led enterprises and strengthening cooperation between educational institutions and the business community.

Head of the Business Incubation Centre at IIUI, Eng. Mohammad Ahsen Mirza; former President of the Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries (ICSTSI), Zahid Qureshi; ICCI Executive Committee Member Abrar ul Haq; and senior member Azaz Mohammad also addressed the ceremony.

They highlighted the importance of encouraging entrepreneurial talent, strengthening institutional collaboration, and providing young innovators with the guidance and opportunities needed to transform promising business ideas into sustainable enterprises.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026