Islamabad, October 17,2026: Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) President Mohammad Zikria Akbar Zia has called for turning Pakistan’s youth potential into productive economic opportunities through entrepreneurship, innovation and business startups, saying youth empowerment 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 the country’s talented youth had the creativity and potential to transform innovative ideas into commercially viable businesses.
He stressed that effective mentorship, practical training, access to finance and stronger academia-industry linkages were essential to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Zia encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to identify market opportunities, embrace modern technologies, maintain high quality standards and develop sustainable business models capable of expanding beyond domestic markets. He said connecting young innovators with investors, experienced business leaders and industry mentors could help bridge the gap between promising ideas and successful commercial ventures.
ICCI Senior Vice President Mohammad Ashfaq Hussain Chatha highlighted the need for a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem that provides young businesspeople with professional guidance, business development resources and institutional support.
He said initiatives such as the Business Idea Competition 2026 offered an important platform to identify emerging talent, encourage creative thinking and prepare young people to contribute to economic activity and employment generation.
ICCI Vice President Mohammad Waqas Khan urged participants to turn their ideas into practical business ventures through careful planning, determination and effective execution. He reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to supporting youth-led enterprises and strengthening cooperation between educational institutions and the business community.
Head of the IIUI Business Incubation Centre Eng. Mohammad Ahsen Mirza, former President of the Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries Zahid Qureshi, ICCI Executive Committee Member Abrar ul Haq and senior member Azaz Mohammad also addressed the ceremony.
They emphasized the importance of nurturing entrepreneurial talent, strengthening institutional collaboration and providing young innovators with the guidance and opportunities needed to transform promising business ideas into sustainable enterprises.
