10th Citi-PPAF Microentrepreneurship Awards highlights significant achievements

ISLAMABAD, April 13: Citi Foundation and the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund hosted the 10th annual Citi Microentrepreneurship Awards (CMA) in Islamabad, highlighting the achievements of some of the most innovative microentrepreneurs in Pakistan.
Citi-PPAF Microentrepreneurship Awards program is a signature initiative of the Citi Foundation aimed at generating economic opportunities for low-income people including youth, around the globe. The awards program provides entrepreneurs with resources to strengthen their business, including access to networks, capital, tools and trainings, and enables individuals to create economic sustainability for themselves, their families and their communities. Qazi Azmat Isa, CEO of PPAF, said, “PPAF has led the development of microfinance in the country since it began operations in the year 2000. Our aim is to develop the grassroots economy of the country and supporting individuals to contribute effectively towards the socio-economic development of their households, communities and of Pakistan.”
He added, “The Citi-PPAF Microentrepreneurship Awards Program aims at rewarding entrepreneurial skills, leadership and best practices of individual microentrepreneurs. By highlighting award-winning microentrepreneurs, it creates awareness on the effectiveness and significance of microfinance as a tool in the fight against poverty. As of this year we have celebrated the achievements of 374 winners across Pakistan.” The Chief Guest, Mr. Muhammad Baligh ur Rehman, Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training, said, “Established by the last government of PML(N) in 1998, PPAF has since worked effectively in support of public policy to build social and financial capital of the marginalised section of the society. -PR