Entrepreneurship essential for job creation: ICCI President

Mohammad Zikria Akbar Zia, president of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), has urged that Pakistan's young people be turned into productive economic assets through entrepreneurship, innovation and new business ventures, according to Business Recorder. Speaking at the Business Idea Competition 2026 ceremony on Saturday, he argued that enterprise is central to creating jobs, expanding industry and growing exports. The ICCI, Mera Brand Pakistan, the IIUI Business Incubation Centre and industry partners jointly organised the event.

Zia said the country's young people had the creativity to turn original ideas into commercially viable firms, and that mentoring, hands-on training, access to finance and closer ties between universities and industry were essential to developing the next generation of founders. He advised aspiring entrepreneurs to spot market gaps, adopt modern technology, keep quality high and build business models able to reach beyond domestic markets. Linking young innovators with investors and experienced business leaders could, he added, narrow the distance between ideas and successful ventures.

ICCI Senior Vice President Mohammad Ashfaq Hussain Chatha stressed the need for a support system offering professional guidance, business development resources and institutional backing, while Vice President Mohammad Waqas Khan urged participants to convert their plans into operating businesses through careful planning and execution. Other speakers, including Eng. Mohammad Ahsen Mirza of the IIUI incubation centre, urged institutional collaboration so promising ideas could become sustainable enterprises.