US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Ambassador Cameron Munter have praised the energy, creativity, and determination of Pakistan’s young entrepreneurs at the first ever Pakistan Young Entrepreneurs Forum. Organised jointly by the U.S. Embassy and the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Young Entrepreneurs Forum (ICCI YEF)here Tuesday, the Young Entrepreneurs Conference 2012 brought together for the first time ever in Pakistan aspiring young entrepreneurs, established business leaders, Government of Pakistan representatives, U.S. Embassy officials, and members of the Pakistani-American Diaspora to discuss entrepreneurship in Pakistan. Addressing the crowd of young entrepreneurs and business students at the Jinnah Convention Center, Ambassador Munter stated, “I am struck by the common bonds shared between the citizens of Pakistan and the United States.
This morning, as we focus on the key entrepreneurial characteristics of courage, creativity, and social responsibility, I believe we can establish a firm foundation for future bilateral engagement and stronger people-to-people ties. The United States stands beside Pakistan as its entrepreneurs tackle the challenges of tomorrow, by promoting U.S.-funded professional exchange programs, establishing linkages with the Pakistani-American Diaspora community, and developing finance solutions aimed at unlocking the capital necessary for Pakistan’s entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises.” In a recorded video statement, Secretary Clinton thanked the People of Pakistan for their inspiring entrepreneurial spirit ICCI President Yassar Sakhi Butt opened the conference by encouraging Pakistan’s young entrepreneurs to improve ties between Pakistan’s public and private sectors. In addition, throughout the day-long conference, Pakistani entrepreneurs led interactive discussions on social entrepreneurship, women’s entrepreneurship, and building bridges through Diaspora business linkages.
