The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) has identified several key priorities to empower women in trade and industry, including financing and access to resources.
In his opening speech at a forum in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 8, Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said this could ensure women entrepreneurs have better access to credit, trade finance, venture capital, and green financing.
00:00And perhaps we can get a mini-love for the camera, for all the women out there. Excellent, thank you.
00:07ASEAN is home to 313 million women, many of whom are already playing key roles in SMEs, in digital platforms and creative industries.
00:18But too many of these businesses struggle to scale up and integrate into the regional, in fact, global supply chains.
00:27So that is why this forum is so important. It is a space to collaborate, create solutions and co-create an enabling ecosystem where women entrepreneurs can lead not just domestically, but also regionally and globally.
00:44METI sees several key priorities that we can address such as, number one, financing and resources.
00:52So ensuring women entrepreneurs have better access to credit, trade facilities, finance, venture capital, green financing for example.
01:01Secondly, digital empowerment, equipping women with tools to harness e-commerce, AI and cyber security for cross-border trade.
01:11Number three, sustainability, so enabling women-led businesses to align with ESG principles and seize opportunities in renewable energy and circular economy.
01:22Number four, leadership and mentorship, building cross-border networks where seasoned leaders mentor emerging entrepreneurs.
01:31And finally, regional cooperation, so leveraging ASEAN frameworks such as the ARCEP, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, as well as the ASEAN Digital Economy Initiative to expand market access.
01:44So ladies and gentlemen, the impact of women is felt across all pillars of our society.
01:51Women are not only vibrant entrepreneurs, you can walk out there and you can feel the vibrancy.
01:57They are also innovative industry leaders and successful business owners, but also dedicated public servants.
02:04Two of them sitting in front there, effective policy makers and tirelessly, or tireless advocates in civil societies and NGOs.
02:14So in conclusion, this forum, it shouldn't be just a dialogue, it is a call to action.
02:21So I urge so many participants here, you know, entrepreneurs, there's academics, of course they are policy makers, to not only listen, but also to engage, yeah, and network and commit to mentorship as well.
02:37So let this forum be the start of tangible partnerships and actionable strategies that shape a more inclusive ASEAN economy.
02:46So with that, it is my honour to officially declare open the forum on unleashing the power of women in ASEAN trade and industry across the world. Thank you.
02:59Please do your opening styles. Give us your best mums of the morning. Ladies.
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