"The Expo is meant to increase the potential of women and highlight their strength, wisdom, talents and creativity to run and develop enterprises," said Neddy Rafinaldy Halim, a senior Cooperatives and SMEs Ministry official in charge of marketing and business networking, said at the expo`s opening here on Thursday.
ASEAN recognises the significant contribution of women to the economic growth of the region, the ASEAN Secretariat said in a statement here on Friday.
The opening ceremony was lustered up by a choir and a glamorous fashion show which showcased the remarkable traditional costumes of each ASEAN member country.
With the theme `Empowering Women in Innovation and Creativity`, the four-day expo is expected to boost women`s entrepreneurship and cooperatives in ASEAN and serve as a platform for women entrepreneurs to exchange views and establish networks.
A total of 319 SMEs and cooperatives from ASEAN member countries participated in the expo, showcasing the best products ranging from furniture, fashion and accessories. Business fora, talk-shows and seminars will also be held on the sideline of the expo to deliberate on various issues including access to finance, women and entrepreneurship and access to the ASEAN market.
Cultural shows will also entertain the crowds expected to pack the exhibition hall until the closing ceremony on November 20. (*)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
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