Islamabad (GNP): 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, stressing that empowering young people to establish successful enterprises is essential for job creation, industrial growth, and export expansion.
Addressing the Business Idea Competition 2026 ceremony at the Chamber House, organized in collaboration with Mera Brand Pakistan, the Business Incubation Centre of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), and industry partners, he said Pakistan’s talented youth possessed the creativity and potential to develop innovative ideas into commercially viable businesses. He emphasized that effective mentorship, practical training, access to finance, and stronger academia-industry linkages were crucial to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Mohammad Zikria Akbar Zia 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.
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.
Vice President Mohammad Waqas Khan urged participants to translate their ideas into practical business ventures through careful planning, determination, and effective execution. He reaffirmed ICCI’s commitment to supporting youth-led enterprises and strengthening cooperation between educational institutions and the business community.
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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 turn promising business ideas into sustainable enterprises.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
