Senior female representatives from China and ASEAN nations
yesterday made a pledge in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 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
China-ASEAN dialogue.
More than 100 Asian businesswomen attended the forum, which was
aimed at forming a community of caring societies, improving the
standard of living for disadvantaged groups and promoting 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, and also ambassador
at-large for the Brunei Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said
the forum was an important step toward enhancing the friendship
between Chinese and ASEAN women, saying both sides could
collaborate to promote women's development.
She said the forum plays an important role in supporting and
directing women, particularly in aiding 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 ASEAN member states have already made
progress in the advancement of women's issues and were happy to see
China join in the regional cooperation.
(China Daily November 2, 2006)