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i The ERKF FATA Quarterly Newsletter Issue # 02 - January to March, 2014 Communiqué Bridging the economic front in FATA ReConnect Pakistan web portal 02 Enterprise incubation model 03 03 5 P’s of investing in FATA 04 Scaling up for economic development 05 Economic needs assessment survey 06 The mineral reserve of FATA 07 Readers’ feedback from 1st edition 08 Strategic planning and implementation 07 The ERKF newsboard 09 ERKF success stories 08 Progress update of ERKF FATA 10 FATA investment roadshow in Dubai Inside What makes an SME tick ? ? Penetrating the economic gulf, Dubai investment road show > > The hidden treasure of FATA ! !

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Issue 02, January to March, 2014

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i

The ERKF FATA Quarterly NewsletterIssue # 02 - January to March, 2014

Communiqué

Bridging the economic front in FATA

ReConnect Pakistan web portal

02

Enterprise incubation model

03

03 5 P’s of investing in FATA

04 Scaling up for economic development

05 Economic needs assessment survey

06 The mineral reserve of FATA

07 Readers’ feedback from 1st edition

08 Strategic planning and implementation

07 The ERKF newsboard

09 ERKF success stories

08 Progress update of ERKF FATA

10 FATA investment roadshow in Dubai

Inside

What makes an SME tick ??

Penetrating the economic gulf, Dubai

investment road show >>The hidden

treasure of FATA !!

02

CommuniquéThe ERKF FATA Quarterly Newsletter

ReConnect PakistanMobilizing diaspora investments through online B2B learning and partnershipThe first month of 2014 marked the beta launch* of the highly anticipated web portal of ERKF, which is custom designed to address the background knowledge and technical information needs of diaspora communities to foster their interest and intent in bringing investments and finances to FATA. The web enabled platform (www.reconnectpakistan.com) is built around an open membership architecture which will bring together local experts and diaspora investors to share ideas, develop concepts, build projects and channelize investments. The website is packed with dynamic as well as static content which will exhibit information to facilitate the development of diaspora linkages to the local economic sectors through active databases. The website will also showcase success stories, case studies, survey reports, policy guidelines and other such resources which could result in fostering diaspora investments back home.

*The Project Management Unit of ERKF FATA is presently developing the content for the web portal in line with the information and knowledge needs of potential diaspora businessmen and investors.

People from FATA have moved in substantial numbers to foreign countries, Middle East and West Europe in particular, in search of livelihood openings. The share of their earnings sent as remittances to support their families and relatives can provide substantial energy to the economic and industrial growth in FATA if capitalized. With ReConnect Pakistan, the diaspora from FATA might just have found the medium to overcome the void between probably and definitely.

The Economic Revitalization of KP and FATA Project is revolutionizing initiatives to turn the tribal areas of Pakistan into a thriving and lucrative investment landscape. As the geopolitical situation in South Asia develops, the region will be vying to identify new markets and opportunities - and that is where FATA fits one but important piece of the bigger picture. We are taking decisive actions to boost our national and international competitiveness in key sectors including mineral extraction, marble mining, commercial trade, enterprise development as well as exploration of oil, gas and coal.

We are helping local businessmen and businesses through matching grants for the rehabilitation, development and advancement of small and medium enterprises. Also, we are launching contemporary approaches to mobilize diaspora and international prospects through establishing a business to business web portal, holding international investment roadshows and launching the public-private diaspora bond. These are just some of the fantastic new investments being made and I urge every potential capitalist and entrepreneur to seek how they can benefit from joining this new wave that promises so much.

The second edition of Communiqué will give you further ideas and insights into how you can choose to be part of that future for your businesses and for the future of this very special part of Pakistan.

FATA has come to be defined not by its tumultuous past,

but instead by its promising future

Shaukatullah KhanGovernor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The two terms, although varying significantly in meaning, make up the genesis of socio-economic transformation. While change is inevitable, continuity of plans and actions is equally imperative. We will continue to support the SME sector in the tribal areas of Pakistan through financial and technical measures as it holds the key to the economic revitalization of FATA. At the same time, 2014 marks the origination of new approaches to the underlying economic development questions persisting in FATA. The launch of an e-portal to mobilize diaspora investment from around the world and the completion of pre-feasibility of the first-ever FATA investment bond will prove to be the agents of change as we build up the momentum and energy in the project implementation.

Efforts are also underway to expand the outreach of our services beyond the national borders, as we prepare for the second investment roadshow in Dubai during the second quarter of this year. The project has added hundreds of businessmen and entrepreneurs hailing from FATA to its mounting tally of beneficiaries. With that, I proudly present the second edition of our quarterly newsletter which celebrates the achievements and experiences of our partners, stakeholders and the people of FATA.

I pay my gratitude to everyone who has valued the inaugural edition of Communiqué spurring us to carry on. To conclude with, I take this opportunity to reaffirm that the continuity of the project initiatives will incrementally but unquestionably change the economic dimension of FATA towards more productivity and profit. Revel in reading!

The philosophy of change and continuity drives our work

Muhammad Imran KhanProject Director ERKF (FATA Component)

It is a truism that many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) fail within the first year, even though they were formed on good business ideas to begin with. Strong business concepts often overlook other factors that make a successful business in Pakistan, which may be as mundane as analyzing the political environment, getting enough workers or finding a suitable location. So the question remains; what makes an SME tick?

To ensure that good business ideas do not go to waste and add up to the thick stockpile of “brain drain” from FATA, the Government has to lead the effort in supporting budding enterprises streamline business ideas and transform them into actions through building of knowledge, capacity and financing base. And that’s exactly what an “entrepreneurship incubation model” is supposed to do. Around the world, the practice of enterprise and business development by bringing together experienced professionals and budding entrepreneurs is commonplace. Since 2000, the idea is gaining recognition in Pakistan, particularly among business startups which can be clustered within the category of SMEs.

“Since no such example or pattern exists so far in FATA, the idea may seem abstract. But it were the abstract ideas in the beginning that eventually changed the future of humanity (for better).

What makes an SME tick?An entrepreneurship incubation model can drive SMEs in FATA on track from the word go

Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA) is running Women’s Business Incubation Centers (WBIC) and has already enabled women entrepreneurs to launch full scale commercial ventures from private home based businesses. The Government of Pakistan, through the SME Business Support Fund (BSF), has already extended technical and process advisory services to enhance the revenue generation capacity of emerging SMEs. And just in time, the Prime Minister’s Youth Business Loan service has now been made available to the people of FATA.

sioSMEs Incubation OfficeFATA Secretariat

For starters, the FATA Secretariat can contribute by setting up SMEs Incubation Office (SIO) under the supervision of Secretary FATA Investment Facilitation Authority and staffed by senior and mid-level business management and economic development experts. One of the core functions of the SIO can be the identification of practical business ideas measured on the basis of sustainability and profitability. The online portal of ERKF, ReConnect Pakistan, can be very successfully used to network seasoned businessmen and budding entrepreneurs from FATA to share, develop and implement profitable business ideas. Institutional development, operational planning and financial management support should then come from FATA Secretariat’s SIO in the form of formulating policy framework and providing initial funding.

Successful businessmen with demonstrated experience in FATA should be invited to seminars, trainings and meetings to share their insights on what goes behind setting up an SME in FATA. These businessmen can then (on voluntary and altruistic basis) take two or three budding entrepreneurs under their wings and coach them through the entire incubation process. The role of Tribal Chamber of Commerce and state-run financial institutions can play a key supporting role in transmuting the conception of SIO into pragmatism. Over a period of 4 to 5 years, the SIO can be made self-sustainable, by taking a certain share from the revenue of those SMEs which it has successfully incubated.

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5of investing in FATA

P’s

Profit The economic model of higher risk higher profit aptly defines the cost of doing business in FATA. There are many business and trade avenues offering first-mover advantage to investors and entrepreneurs.

Pride A substantial percentage of the FATA population has moved to settled areas or foreign countries for their livelihoods. It’s time to take pride in contributing towards the development and stability of their homeland.

Perks FATA industry is not subject to direct taxes or regulation. In this sense, FATA’s industrial sector offers the perks of an ultimate free-market environment.

Passion With a solid youth base accumulating 60% of FATA’s total population, the region is brimming with youthful passion and energy raring to have it a go.

Potential According to geological assessments, the whole of FATA region has untapped reservoirs of large potential of exquisite gems and stones having exceptional demand in national and international markets.

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CommuniquéThe ERKF FATA Quarterly Newsletter

Scaling up, a turnkey approach towards sustainable economic developmentTaking the approach to build and expand further on the foundations laid down by the ERKF FATA

The term “scaling up” is used to refer to increases in both the funding available and in the outreach of development measures. Horizontal scaling up refers to the gradual rollout of activities to cover an ever wider geographical area, whereas, vertical scaling up means achieving a broader impact by means of institutionalization.

Today, development organizations and practitioners are confounded by issues such as achieving sustainability and ensuring investments. As a matter of fact, sustainability and funding are the two main drivers of projects such as the ERKF FATA, when the goal is the economic revitalization of the whole of the tribal belt rather than a particular Agency or Frontier Region. The key question lies not in what has been done so far but what will happen when the project phases out towards the end of 2014.

Scaling up does not only imply exploring new sources of funding. More importantly, it relates to the sharing of successful ideas, valuable experiences and learnt lessons which can be accepted and adapted when moving beyond the constricted geographic boundaries to work with more implementing partners and prospective beneficiaries. The ERKF FATA can apply scaling up concepts and methodologies to achieve farfetched outcomes in the following ways:

Develop case studies of the SME Development Component to record and share practical insights when designing future projects in related sectors.

Capacity building initiatives are designed in a manner that the trainees are then capable of transferring the newly acquired knowledge and skill to their peers and colleagues.

The ERKF FATA can select pilots for activities under all its three components. Criteria can be set for the selection of pilots, such as, identification of need for support, ease of movement for the staff and viability of project interventions.

Networking support to the Tribal Areas Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TACCI) can be first time extended to connect with government representatives, international development agencies, local businessmen and trade associations.

Instead of making the international investment roadshows (to be held in Dubai and London) standalone events, efforts can be made to organize it on a recurring basis by the Government of Pakistan and implemented through the FATA Secretariat.

The ERKF FATA, in collaboration with the FATA Investment Facilitation Authority, can devise a scaling up strategy which incorporates its key constituents, defining the vision, mapping the ownership, designing the approach, setting the standards and suggesting the incentive mechanism. Small is beautiful but big is essential is how we could sum up the challenges and necessities of scaling up for economic development orientation of FATA.

The ERKF FATA recognizes communication as an integral feature within the project implementation and feedback mechanisms. The project has already launched several initiatives under the project’s communication campaign designed to interact with the beneficiaries, donors, partners and stakeholders on the completed and planned activities.

• To communicate more extensively with the population characterized by low literacy level, an audiovisual documentary has been produced and disseminated on the objectives and achievements of the project.

• The quarterly newsletter “Communiqué” is the flagship project publication rolled out by the Project Management Unit, ERKF FATA to reach out to the funding and implementing partners, addressing their information needs.

• Publicity and promotion towards the project undertaking are achieved through featured reports and news stories in leading English and Urdu newspapers.

• The ERKF FATA also boasts a vibrant presence on social media with its own Facebook profile page where the number of members is growing every day.

• The project churns out newspaper advertisements which are timed to coincide with the targeting activity to ensure that adequate awareness and knowledge are generated.

• Efforts are also under way to identify and recruit high profile citizen ambassadors from FATA to advocate the project goals vibrantly during key events, such as the investment roadshows.

Communicating progress and achievements

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The ERKF FATA is conducting a pre-feasibility study on the prospects of attracting investment from Pakistani diaspora by offering a private-public sector financial guarantee. The diaspora bond, as it is referred to, is envisaged to generate substantial investment in order to fill up the gap for financing appetite in FATA. The study has reviewed the existing remittance networks (payment systems, branch networks, mobile phone payments, money transfer agents, etc.) so that the private sector could be invited in cost sharing for setting up new outlets in the region. Focus group discussions in five countries (UK, USA, UAE, Malaysia and Canada) have been completed for key inputs towards the pre-feasibility.

Refueling the FATA economy through engaging diaspora

For a country like Pakistan, which has very few avenues to earn foreign exchange, remittances play a significant role in sustaining the economy, especially considering that 4 to 5 per cent of the national GDP can be attributed to remittances. A World Bank report from 2010 shows that remittances by Pakistani diaspora have played a significant role in Pakistan’s economic development.

The World Bank has conducted preliminary round of consultation meetings with the FATA Secretariat and regional stakeholders in September (26th), November (7th/8th) and December (19th) last year. The objective was to gather inputs and exchange views on the development challenges and priorities for the region that the World Bank could support under its new five-year country specific development strategy. These recommendations will be considered for inclusion within the Pakistan Country Strategic Partnership Framework. Second round of consultations would take place in February 2014. The CPS will be finalized and presented to the World Bank Group’s Board of Executive Directors in June 2014. CPS implementation will start from 1st July, 2014.

Based on the feedback received from the government and other stakeholders, key priorities for FATA in the economic development sector are emerging as:

• Mineral and marble are untapped resources in FATA which can play a tremendous role in changing the lives of the people in FATA through income generation, poverty reduction, youth engagement and investment mobilization.

• Currently, there is no financial institution in FATA even though there is immense trade potential in this area. Thus, a regional investment and financial institution can encourage lending and raise the living standards, so people are not vulnerable to militancy.

• In order to provide a conducive investment climate, government is focusing on three key factors including, security for the private sector, infrastructure and energy, and access to resources.

• Absence of credit facilitation institutions and services for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) was also highlighted as a major constraint on the business development in FATA.

Pakistan Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) 2015-2019Addressing development priorities through strategic planning

The ERKF FATA plans to conduct a comprehensive economic needs assessment survey which will support the development of detailed economic profiles of Bajaur and Mohmand Agencies. The survey report will provide readily available statistical data, technical information and sectoral references for potential local and international investors to conduct business activities and setup production units in these areas.

Economic needs assessment of Mohmand and Bajaur Agencies in FATAMatching needs, mapping resources, fostering development

OBJECTIvE

To collect, collate and analyze the data in such a way that pertinent information can be used for evaluation and measurement of economic impact and benefits.

01 PART ONE

The first part of the survey will cover the overall dynamics of rural livelihoods, data on deterioration of public-private economic sectors due to crises and the steps required to resolve the current challenges in the given sectors for future development opportunities.

02 PART TWO

The second part of the survey will be based on in-depth study of key economic sectors selected from the first part of the study.

03

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CommuniquéThe ERKF FATA Quarterly Newsletter

MarbleThis particular sector has significant potential for growth, as high quality reserves of white marble in Mohmand Agency, gray marble in Bajaur Agency and other attractive colors in Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram and Waziristan Agencies have been identified. In FATA, the marble quarrying and mining jobs have provided livelihoods for thousands of families.

Gemstone Although geological assessments have identified the existence of multiple varieties of gemstones across the breadth of FATA, this area has not realized its true potential as yet. Studies have indicated availability of emerald, tourmaline, garnet and quartz in abundance but extraction has so far been the missing link.

CopperAn estimated reserve of 35 million tons of copper has been discovered in the North Waziristan Agency alone. Further investment in the exploration of this exquisite mineral will not only bring employment to the tribesmen but will also boost the local economy and industry substantially.

SoapstoneA metamorphic rock rich in magnesium and iron, FATA has large deposits of soapstone that can be crucial inputs for local industries as well as a high demand export commodity. Currently, soapstone at Ghandhao (Mohmand Agency) is mined and exported to Europe where it has shown increasing demand over the years.

CoalFATA has abundance of rich quality coal deposits identified at several locations. Mining is done but on a very limited scale, thus, highlighting the need and potential for expansion. Huge deposits of coal have been identified in Orakzai, Kurram and North Waziristan Agencies. Dara Adam Khel (Frontier Region Kohat) also has a lot of promise in terms of coal extraction and production.

The mineral reserve of FATAA discovered but unexplored treasure

Geological surveys conducted across 85% of the tribal belt of Pakistan have revealed immense avenues for mineral exploration. The available geological information provides ample evidence that FATA has fairly good mineral potential as existing in similar geological environments elsewhere in the world. It is important to point out that despite technological and financial constraints of the private sector and the prevailing geopolitical conditions in the region, there is tremendous growth in mineral production from FATA. The average annual growth rate of mineral production during the last five years has been 40%.

To further enhance the mineral development potential, the FATA Secretariat has initiated a number of mineral exploration, infrastructure development and private sector facilitation projects which are providing sound basis for executing mineral sector activities on modern and profitable lines. The FATA Development Authority (FDA) and the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA) have signed an agreement under which the latter will conduct feasibility study on establishment of a briquetting plant based on FATA coal deposits. The plant will work to develop value added mineral resources to bring them to a level of attracting domestic and foreign investment for exploration, production, consumption and exportation.

The recently established Mohmand Marble City is an ideal place for venture capitalists to install processing plants and reduce transportation costs on shipping raw material to Karachi and other areas of Pakistan. Moreover, geological exploration under two different projects resulted in identification of more than 28 manganese products and two emerald bearing areas in Mohmand and Bajaur Agencies. To identify additional coal clusters in the country, investigations in Shirani area inside the Frontier Region of Dera Ismail Khan are currently underway. For further enhancement of copper reserves, subsurface studies in the Shinkai area of North Waziristan Agency are being undertaken.

The mineral potential of FATA is certainly not a bottomless pit. As a matter of fact, it offers tremendous opportunities for domestic and international investors who thrive on the capitalization of new possibilities of economic headway. “To put the entire discourse in the words of Paulo Coelho, everyone on earth has a treasure that awaits him”.

All figures, facts and stats have been taken from the information resources of FATA Development Authority, www.fatada.gov.pk.

READ To KNoW

Knowledge sharing workshop to identify

potential businesswomen in FATA:

The ERKF FATA through its local implementing

partner has launched an initiative to create

awareness about the project priorities and

activities among the womenfolk of FATA with

the purpose to identify and sensitize potential

business women for future matching grant

awards. Piloted in Kurram and Bajaur Agencies

of FATA, the first two of a series of workshops

have been successfully implemented.

SMEs matching grants award ceremony at FATA Secretariat:ERKF FATA awarded matching grants worth Rs. 30.5 million to the businessmen of North Waziristan Agency, Frontier Region Tank and Kurram Agency. A ceremony was held at the FATA Secretariat on 10th January, 2014 where cheques were presented by Secretary Administration, Infrastructure and Coordination Pir Ameer-ud-Din and Secretary FATA Investment Facilitation Authority Arshad Majeed. Project Director ERKF FATA Muhammad Imran Khan also participated in the ceremony.

“Strategic Planning and Implementation” in

Bhurban between 21st and 23rd January,

2014. Zahir Shah (Director General

Projects FATA), Sajjad Khan (Director

General Monitoring and Evaluation

FATA), Muhammad Imran Khan (Project

Director ERKF FATA) and other senior

officers from the FATA Secretariat, FATA

Development Authority and ERKF FATA

participated actively.

Strategic planning and

implementation training

workshop:

The ERKF FATA organized a

three day training workshop on

ERKF newsboard

Issue # 02 - January to March, 2014

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I rate the quality of your publication amongst the top few that I had the chance of reading during my professional career which spans over 15 years.Zaffar KhattakRuns a development focused consulting firm in Peshawar

I could not resist to read through because of the stimulating content and graphics. Even the name of the newsletter is nothing less than impressive. It was also quite enlightening to know about the development that is taking place in FATA.Waleed AbbasStudies political science at the University of Peshawar

By the time I read the first couple of pages, I was like wow! That’s some fantastic work and impatiently looking forward to the next issue.Sara MushtaqOwns a marketing firm which works for development and public sector organizations

There was so much to know and learn about the business and economic potential of FATA which was so aptly highlighted in the newsletter.Asim MirStudies social sciences at the University of Peshawar

ERKF has done a tremendous job with their newsletter and has so much to offer for its readers, from informing people about business opportunities to interesting facts of doing business in FATA.Kamran HidayatWorks as a communication professional in the development sector

Hear

what our

readers

have to say!

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‘Showcase FATA’ will be a two-day exhibition to be held in Islamabad for the SMEs in particular rehabilitated and upgraded by the ERKF FATA. The exhibition will present FATA’s traditional handicrafts and artisans to local and international communities for potential business matchmaking. The event will also serve the project’s outreach and awareness needs by providing economic related information associated with FATA.

Shifts in social, political, economic and technological dynamics have transpired new challenges for public sector organizations in service management and delivery. Therefore, innovation in planning and implementation, which incorporates modern strategic management tools, is necessary for the public sector to achieve improved performance and service quality. Within that context, the ERKF FATA organized a three day training workshop on “Strategic Planning and Implementation”. The training objectives focused on:

Zahir Shah (Director General Projects FATA), Sajjad Khan (Director General Monitoring and Evaluation FATA), Muhammad Imran Khan (Project Director ERKF FATA) and other senior officers from the FATA Secretariat, FATA Development Authority and ERKF FATA participated

actively. The training workshop mixed theory with practical applications, introducing a range of interactive training methods. Session plans were developed around experience sharing and group work opportunities that linked, participatory discussions, listening exercises, group assignments and audiovisual presentations.

The participants were also given the opportunity to evaluate the content, delivery, management and outcome of the workshop (responses illustrated below).

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CommuniquéThe ERKF FATA Quarterly Newsletter

Physical

Financial (PKR)

CoNSTRUCTIoN

2,200,000

2Physical

Financial (PKR)

CRUSHING ANDBloCK MAKING

4,357,500

4Physical

Financial (PKR)

EDUCATIoN

16,116,950

14Physical

Financial (PKR)

ElECTRoNICS

600,000

1Physical

Financial (PKR)

HANDICRAFTS

548,000

1Physical

Financial (PKR)

HoSPITAlSAND lABS

2,264,100

3

Physical

Financial (PKR)

IT ANDCoMPUTER lABS

1,390,000

2Physical

Financial (PKR)

lIGHTENGINEERING

3,355,000

4Physical

Financial (PKR)

MANUFACTURING UNITS

7,500,000

6Physical

Financial (PKR)

FUEl

19,507,100

14Physical

Financial (PKR)

REPAIRWoRKSHoP

1,800,000

1Physical

Financial (PKR)

MARBlE, MINNING AND MINERAl

78,459,149

53

Physical

Financial (PKR)

TRADING AND WAREHoUSE

600,000

128Physical

Financial (PKR)

WooD AND FURNITURE PRoDUCTS

6,686,200

8Physical

Financial (PKR)

TRANSPoRT

10,000,000

5

Physical

Financial (PKR)

SERvICES

1,168,571

2 Physical

Financial (PKR)

ToTAl

273,578,870

249Physical

Financial (PKR)

TExTIlE ANDSIlK PRoCESSING

600,000

1

Progress update of Component 1 (sector wise presentation)

Strategic planning and implementation training workshopLearning the steps, tools and techniques to “think and act strategically”

Training Performance IndicatorsExcellent very Good Good Average Poor

Interactivity

70%

30%

40% 50

%

10%

Duration

80%

20%

Schedule

90%

10%

Quality

70%

20%

10%

Environment

80%

10%

10%

Meaningfulness

• Understanding the principles and approaches towards strategic management

• Identifying steps in the strategic planning process

• Determining applicable tools to assimilate strategic planning in implementation process

• Mapping partners to be involved in the strategic planning process

• Developing communication action plans to promote the strategic planning process

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Writing the success stories, on their ownThe true accounts of ERKF FATA beneficiates who are making it happen, all over again!

Story from Khyber

“Under the SME Development Component of ERKF FATA, 249 SMEs have so far received matching grants for rehabilitation and upgradation purposes, resulting in direct employment generation of more than 1000 individuals with countless indirect benefits.

Under the SME Development Component of ERKF FATA, the project is contributing towards fostering the frequency and reach of the education sector in FATA. At a time when the government run schools are marred by inadequate resources and damaged infrastructure, several private schools, especially in Khyber Agency FATA, are supporting the delivery of this imperative social service.

Nawab Shah, the principal of Islamia Model School located in Jamrud Tehsil of Khyber Agency, now has a lot to do when he comes to the office every morning. With a matching grant assistance amounting to PKR 0.5 million, the school has regained full academic activities from a previous state of dormancy. “The essential financial support

has enabled us to procure computer systems, laboratory equipment, classrooms furniture and education material. During this academic year, we are back in business with an education and learning focus like never before”.

Abdul Ghani, a student of Islamia Model School has a message to spread. “To ensure every child, irrespective of their gender orientation, has the opportunity to get educated, parents and teachers must play their role. This is every child’s basic human right and also the key to a progressive and peaceful Pakistan”.

Story from Bajaur

In FATA, trading business is also fundamental to the economic empowerment of the region due to its prevalence and viability. As the law and order situation deteriorated in Bajaur Agency, it also took its toll on the local businessmen especially the ones associated with clothing merchandize. Lal Muhammad was once an affluent cloth merchant who had to give it all away amidst the mounting insecurity.

“As the people of our area moved to other localities for shelter, the main market remained out of business for the past three years. When I returned following the improvement in the overall security situation, the ERKF FATA sanctioned a matching grant of PKR 1 million which was not less than a miracle for my business during those testing times. It makes me ecstatic to tell you that the clothing designs and colours this summer will be full of exuberance”.

According to Bahader Khan, the Head of Marble Association of Bajaur Agency, business activities in Bajaur Agency are quite thriving these days. Of all the local businesses, marble mining and processing still remains the mainstay of the economy of FATA. “Before the escalation of armed conflict, the growth of marble sector was exemplary which had offered direct

and indirect employment opportunities to more than 4000 individuals. Though challenges remain ahead of us as we try to assemble the sector back together, the support extended to us by the ERKF FATA gives us the hope, energy and determination to carry on”.

Contributions Content development and visual design:Project Management Unit, ERKF FATAPhotography credit:Digital archives of ERKF FATA and MDTFExecution ideas:Many more wonderful people

FeedbackHelp us further improve on the content and layout with your feedback. Complete the feedback form and submit through post or email. The first 5 responses will be included in the next edition.

1. Was the design of the newsletter eye-catching? ☐ Yes ☐ No

2. Was the content of the newsletter captivating? ☐ Yes ☐ No3. What was the single best thing about this newsletter edition?4. What would you like to see included in the future edition?

Send us your response by email on [email protected] or post it on; Office No. 5, 2nd Floor, Zai Apartments,Opposite FATA Secretariat, Peshawar.

CommuniquéThe ERKF FATA Quarterly Newsletter

What was once a land of Bedouin tribes who made a living by fish hunting and pearl searching a few decades ago has grown on to be celebrated as the Manhattan of Asia. Yes, it was made possible by visionary people who shook the paradigms of human thought and moved first to explore the investment potential which Dubai held amidst the sand dunes and sea shores.

This year, the FATA investment roadshow challenges the same visionaries, movers and shakers to explore business and trade investment possibilities across the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan. If a modest land of yesteryear can become a global powerhouse today, imagine what a regional stretch of 27,220 square kilometers abounded with natural and human resource has on the offer.

We know we have already got you thinking.For answers, join us!

WHERE WILL YOU BE WHEN PAKISTAN’S

COMES TO DUBA ?BIGGEST INVESTMENT ROADSHOW

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FATA Investment RoadshowIt’s quite happening now!

Disclaimer:Image used on cover page is copyright to its respectful owner at (thebuilderdepot.wordpress.com) and the Project Management Unit, ERKF FATA acknowledges the credit.