APEC to recognize women icons from MSMEs

October 15, 2015

from apec2015.ph

The upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Women and the Economy (APEC WE) 2015 Fora will mark the accomplishments of extraordinary women icons from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) representing APEC economy through a special exhibition entitled Iconograph.

Iconograph, which is one of the parallel events of the fora, will feature stories and images of outstanding women who are prime movers of inclusive growth and significant contributors to domestic and global economic activities.

“We recognize and applaud the vision, leadership, commitment and drive demonstrated by these women in running their enterprises and may they serve as inspiration to the many other aspiring women entrepreneurs across the Asia-Pacific region,” DTI Secretary Gregory L. Domingo said.

Last July, each APEC economy was requested to nominate one individual who has made remarkable achievements in the MSME sector. The choice for the women icons went through a very rigorous selection process. They were selected based on mandatory considerations, business model and performance, role model attribute, impact on other women, vision and leadership, community service and social commitment.

“The stories portrayed by the women icons are in line with the goals of the APEC Women and Economy Fora which are to ensure gender equality and create new economic opportunities for women,” said DTI Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado, also the Chair of APEC WE 2015 Fora.

Staged by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the exhibit aligns itself with the objectives of fostering the participation of SMEs in the global economy, particularly within the Asia-Pacific region.

The Fora, which is jointly organized by the Department of Trade and Industry, the Philippine Commission on Women, and the Women’s Business Council Philippines, has emerged as a conscious effort by women representatives to take stock of past achievements, identify present and continuing barriers as well as appropriate interventions, and support future aspirations for women’s full participation. The fora shall focus on five priority areas where women’s potential remain untapped and these are access to capital; access to markets; capacity and skills building; women’s leadership; and access to technology and innovation.

The exhibit will run from September 16-18, 2015 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. For more information, you may visit http://apec2015.ph/women/ or email CITEM at info@citem.com.ph.