FCEM World Congress kicks off in Taipei

2014-09-25

The 62nd FCEM World Congress got underway Sept. 24 in Taipei City, gathering female entrepreneurs from around the world to discuss the Asian economy and women’s influence on economic and social development.

Hosted by Taiwanese Women’s Entrepreneurs Association, the first FCEM gathering in Asia attracted more than 150 representatives from 29 countries and territories. Themed Gateway to Asia, the five-day event features networking sessions, panel discussions, speeches and social functions.

During his speech at the opening ceremony, President Ma Ying-jeou said women in Taiwan have been instrumental in the country’s social development over the past decades. “Examples of such active engagement include 50 percent-plus labor participation rate, up from 39 percent in 1980.

“In particular, just under half a million firms are headed by women in Taiwan, or 36.2 percent, underscoring the indispensable role of female entrepreneurs in the nation’s economic development.”

At a Ministry of Foreign Affairs-staged welcoming banquet for congress participants the day before, MOFA Vice Minister Vanessa Shih outlined government initiatives implemented in line with the U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. She also spotlighted public and private sector efforts in promoting trade liberalization and negotiating economic cooperation agreements to bolster the global competitiveness of local firms.

“We hope to see the FCEM congress expand exchanges among female business leaders from home and abroad, bringing Taiwan more in line with the rest of the world,” Shih said.

Another highlight of the evening was the signing of the World Women Entrepreneur Fellowship Agreement between TWEA and Mexican Association of Women Entrepreneurs. The pact is expected to pave the way for enhancing bilateral exchanges and reciprocal visits each year.

Established in 1945 in France, FCEM aims to promote entrepreneurial initiatives and reinforce national associations of women business owners. Taiwan joined the organization as a full member in 1981.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=222069&CtNode=413)