Islamabad, July 12, 2010: The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and several major multinational firms launched the Women in Trade Initiative today. This one-year initiative aims to increase the participation of Pakistani women in the international trade sector.

"This initiative is part of the United States commitment to the Government of Pakistan to support the women's empowerment," said Dr. Marilyn Wyatt, wife of U.S. Ambassador Cameron Munter, at the launch of the Women in Trade Initiative. "By raising the role of women in the international trade sector, we can enable them to contribute not only to Pakistan's economy, but to the overall development of the country."

Under this initiative USAID has already arranged 3-month internships for 17 female university graduates with such well-known companies as TARGET Sourcing Services Pakistan, TEXLYNX, NISHAT Group, and Li & Fung Pakistan. These women will gain skills in sourcing and marketing of the products, product development and diversification, and supply chain management for international firms.

Through the year, the initiative will work to set up linkages of these and other international trade firms with local universities, so that more women have opportunities to explore careers in international trade. The USAID-funded initiative will also help develop methodologies, so that companies can continue selecting the best-suited male and female university graduates for training and potential future recruitment.

The international trade sector in Pakistan currently employs very few women in managerial positions. A recent USAID-funded study has shown women comprise less than 10% of management in trade companies. Similarly, women comprise less than 20% of all junior staff.