Women entrepreneurs worldwide get the chance to compare notes on
business operations and exchanges as the 11th Global Conference of
Women Entrepreneurs opened in Beijing September 16, 2004.
In the best golden autumn season, about 500 businesswomen from
22 countries and regions gathered in the Chinese capital city for
the four-day conference to seek more business opportunities and
enhance exchange.
At the opening ceremony in the Great Hall of the People, China's
vice-premier Wu Yi delivered a welcome and congratulatory speech.
Gu Xiulian, vice-chair of the Standing Committee of the National
People's Congress and president of the All-China Women's
Federation, made a keynote speech.
The get-together, co-sponsored by All-China Women's Federation
(ACWF)and the International Federation of Women Entrepreneurs, aims
at strengthening exchanges and cooperation among women
entrepreneurs and improving their international
competitiveness.
"The Chinese government treasures the role of women in economic
construction and social progress, and we have made gender equality
a fundamental national policy," said Wu, who was voted one of the
most influential women in the world.
Women employees made up 46.7% of China's total labor force. In
medium-sized state enterprises, female workers account for 38%,
said Gu. And of all entrepreneurs in China, women take up 20% and
the percentage is on the rise.
ACWF statistics indicate that those successful businesswomen
usually have a comparatively better education background than their
male counterparts.
A recent survey, conducted by China's major news portal
Sina.com, showed that 60% of corporate staffs prefers to have women
bosses, who are usually more open-minded, fair and flexible.
Women have demonstrated their power and wisdom in the business
world, an arena used to be dominated by men. And their career scope
has been expanded from the traditional service industries into
various sectors as science and hi-tech fields.
Janet Ang, vice-president of IBM Singapore, said women should be
encouraged to try their ability in business and bring their
potential into full play. "I quite agree with the saying that
'Impossible is nothing.' Women do have the capability to accomplish
in many fields as long as we are confident."
(China Daily September 18, 2004)
