The recently concluded BRICS Women’s Entrepreneurship Forum in Moscow, Russia was graced by the presence of representatives from ASEAN countries, including Indonesia, Laos, and Vietnam. The high-profile event, organized by the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance (WBA), saw the participation of over 200 delegates from 35 countries and territories. As part of Russia’s BRICS Chairmanship, the forum provided a valuable platform for the WBA’s local chapters, business representatives, experts, and authorities to engage in discussions on various crucial topics.
Key highlights of the forum included insightful deliberations on trade and investment cooperation, access to digital technology, the development of creative industries, and the opportunities and challenges surrounding the promotion of women’s participation in the industry and the economy. Furthermore, the forum featured a noteworthy “Made in BRICS” exhibition, showcasing a diverse array of products crafted by women entrepreneurs. It also witnessed the launch of a Unified Digital Platform for Women’s Entrepreneurship, aimed at facilitating seamless information sharing and communication among women entrepreneurs. Additionally, the forum played host to a Competition of Best Women’s Startups, providing a platform to identify and promote promising startup business models.
A significant development during the forum was the signing of a memorandum of understanding among representatives of Vietnamese, Laotian, and Russian businesses as part of the BRICS Mobility project. The signing ceremony witnessed the inking of an agency agreement between Vietnam’s V-Exim Solutions company and Russia’s RemiLing, as well as a cooperation agreement between the Institute of Research in Economics, Environment, and Data Science (IREEDS) of Vietnam and the Faculty of Economics, Finance, and Accounting under Russia’s Orel State University.
Furthermore, during the “Friends of BRICS” discussion session, representatives from Indonesia and Vietnam shed light on the immense potential for cooperation in various domains. Ha Thi Hanh, Deputy Director of IREEDS, stressed the opportunity for collaboration not only in business development but also in technology, design, culture, environment, and tourism, in order to address the diverse needs across different countries.
The participation of ASEAN delegates in the BRICS Women’s Entrepreneurship Forum underscores the commitment of the region towards fostering cooperation, dialogue, and engagement across borders. It also signifies the growing recognition and appreciation of the invaluable contributions made by women in entrepreneurship, underscoring the need for a more inclusive and diverse global economy.
As the global landscape continues to witness dynamic changes and transformations, collaborative platforms such as the BRICS Women’s Entrepreneurship Forum provide a vital impetus for the advancement of women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment. The engagements and partnerships forged at such forums hold the potential to not only drive economic growth but also to create a more equitable and inclusive business environment.
In conclusion, the active participation of ASEAN delegates in the BRICS Women’s Entrepreneurship Forum serves as a testament to the region’s strong commitment towards fostering meaningful collaborations and nurturing an environment conducive to the growth of women entrepreneurs. Such initiatives reinforce the need for ongoing dialogue and cooperation to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities within the realm of women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.