Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: UK-ASEAN Trade Mission in Cambodia - News Directory 3

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: UK-ASEAN Trade Mission in Cambodia

November 18, 2024 Catherine Williams Business
News Context
At a glance
  • The UK-ASEAN Trade Mission will take place on 18 and 19 November in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
  • This mission follows the UK-Cambodia Joint Trade and Investment Forum.
  • The trade mission will focus on textiles, apparel, handicrafts, and footwear.
Original source: gov.uk

UK-ASEAN Trade Mission for Women Entrepreneurs

The UK-ASEAN Trade Mission will take place on 18 and 19 November in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It connects women entrepreneurs from ASEAN with UK consumers. This event is part of the UK Government-funded initiative to support women’s economic empowerment. The International Trade Center (ITC) and the Cambodia Women Entrepreneurs Network (CamWEN) are organizing it.

Context of the Mission

This mission follows the UK-Cambodia Joint Trade and Investment Forum. This forum discussed trade and investment for sustainable growth amid global challenges.

Event Details

The trade mission will focus on textiles, apparel, handicrafts, and footwear. Eight UK companies and 75 Cambodian women-led businesses will participate. The mission aims to boost trade connections and empower women entrepreneurs through the SheTrades Programme in ASEAN.

On the second day, UK companies will visit Cambodian businesses to discuss further opportunities.

Opening Session

The mission will start with a ‘meet the buyers’ session. It will feature 75 women-led businesses and speeches from:

  • H.E. Chom Nimol, Cambodian Minister of Commerce
  • Lct. Dr. Eng Lykuong, Chair of ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs’ Network (AWEN)
  • H.E. Dominic Williams MBE, British Ambassador to Cambodia

Statements from Officials

British Ambassador Dominic Williams emphasized the importance of supporting gender equality and empowering women-led SMEs. He hopes the trade mission will help these businesses grow and increase their revenues.

UK Ambassador to ASEAN, H.E. Sarah Tiffin, stated that empowering women entrepreneurs is vital for economic growth. She highlighted that the mission connects women-led businesses and promotes collaboration.

Support for Women-Led Businesses

The ITC will launch an ‘export procedure handbook’ at the event. This handbook will provide market information for Cambodian women-led businesses in textiles and apparel, footwear, and handicrafts.

Earlier in November, the SheTrades Programme in ASEAN conducted a workshop to strengthen women business voices in the region.

Next Steps

After Phnom Penh, the trade mission will continue to Jakarta, Indonesia, to explore more business opportunities with women entrepreneurs there.

About the SheTrades Programme

The SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, funded by UK International Development, aims to support gender-inclusive business ecosystems. It promotes engagement between women-led businesses and key trading partners in the Commonwealth and ASEAN region.