Currently, Chinese women entrepreneurs make up 20 percent of all the entrepreneurs in China, and 41 percent of them work in the private sector.

Peng Peiyun, President of the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF) stated this Wednesday at the ongoing international women leaders seminar, which opened here Wednesday.

The two-day leadership seminar, "Women's Leadership: Dynamic Forces Shaping Global Development", was jointly sponsored by the ACWF and the International Women's Forum (IWF). Attendants will discuss issues such as trade, globalization, the development of emerging women leaders, and their role in politics.

The number of Chinese women entrepreneurs has risen rapidly since the country's reform, and especially since 1995.

Shi Qingqi, executive vice-president and secretary-general of the China Association of Women Entrepreneurs (CAWE), said Chinese women entrepreneurs are finding many openings in the 21st century.

The restructuring of China's industry, urbanization and the development of the country's west have all provided opportunities for women entrepreneurs, especially with the emergence of new service industries such as community work, tourism, health care, and insurance.

"I'm sure we have a bright future," said Wang Xirong, general manager of a technology development company in China. " I pay a homemaking company to do my house work, giving me much more time for my company, and so do many other Chinese women entrepreneurs."

According to Wang, there is not much difference between female and male entrepreneurs, compared to ten years ago. Those who make the most of an opportunity, whether male or female, will be successful.

Shi said that Chinese women entrepreneurs should keep their eyes on the international market, take a chance and buy into it and become international women entrepreneurs.

(Xinhua News Agency July 3, 2002)