MINGORA: Federal Minister for Industries and Production Ghulam Muhaza Jatoi inaugurated the Women Business Development Centre (WBDC) at Saidu Sharif, Swat, on Thursday.

Those present on the occasion included Swat Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Noor Mohammad, Malakand commissioner Zaheerul Islam, Smeda chief executive officer Sher Ayub Khan and general manager outreach Javed Iqbal.

WBDC Swat was a Public Sector Development Programme-funded project under the Ministry of Industries and Production and is being executed by Smeda.

The objectives of the centre are the provision of all encompassing facility for office space, product showcasing, exhibition and sale, training and business environment conducive for women-owned businesses in the form of business incubation centre.

The centre will also provide specialised services in the field of marketing, finance, management and employment generation by supponing new business stan-ups, business development services for existing business and promotion of entrepreneurial culture among women in Swat. -Correspondent