Senior women representatives from China and other ASEAN nations
yesterday pledged to step up efforts to open more women's training
centers, in a drive to improve women's place in the business
world.
The signing of the pledge wrapped up the two-day China-ASEAN
Women Entrepreneurs' Forum.
With the theme "Strengthening Women's Cooperation, Promoting
Common Development," the forum was held in conjunction with the
15th anniversary of the establishment of the China-ASEAN
relationship.
More than 100 Asian businesswomen attended the forum, intended
to form a community of caring societies, improve the standard of
living for disadvantaged groups and promote the involvement of
women in various fields, particularly business.
Zhao Shaohua, vice-president of the All-China Women's Federation
spoke highly of the forum, saying it serves as a platform for Asian
women to exchange experiences and develop economic and social
opportunities.
Yesterday's forum was the first of its kind, and will now be
held every other year.
Visiting Brunei princess Hajah Masna, ambassador at-large for
the Brunei Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said the forum
was an important step towards enhancing ASEAN women's and Chinese
women's friendship, saying both sides could collaborate in
practical projects and measures to promote women's development.
She said the forum could play an important role in supporting
and directing women, particularly to aid the Plan of Action to
Implement the Joint Declaration of the ASEAN-China Strategic
Partnership for Peace and Prosperity, which was signed in 2003.
Chan Jer Luang, honorary treasurer of Singapore's Council of
Women's Organizations said the ASEAN member states have already
made progress in the advancement of women and were happy to see
China join in the regional co-operation.
(China Daily November 2, 2006)