Eminent members of FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) , the apex of business women in the country held a bilateral business meet with the distinguished women leaders from the Philippine Women’s Economic Network (PhilWEN) and both sides called for further strengthening existing economic relations and foster new business opportunities, and elevate women’s leadership across borders.
The India Philippine Business programme has been organised under the auspices of the India ASEAN Women’s Business Forum (IAWBF). PHilWEN represents women’s participation in diverse areas including startups, SMEs, leadership roles, or those championing marginalized communities in the Philippines . The India-ASEAN Women Business Forum (IAWBF) was launched by the late Smt. Sushma Swaraj, the then Minister of External Affairs, in July , 2017, in New Delhi. The PHiLWEN delegation is led by Ms Maria Cristina Cunepcion .
“The Indo Philippine business women meet is a step forward in this direction by bringing together women leaders across borders to not only strengthen business ties but also build lasting friendships that transcend geography. Both the organizations are driven by the belief that when women come together, we can achieve far more than we could alone. “said Ms Joyshree Das Verma, National President FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) .
“FICCI FLO and IAWBF share a common goal: to promote trade and investment between India and ASEAN countries, particularly through the lens of women entrepreneurs. Our common objective is simple but transformative- it is to deepen existing economic relations, foster new business opportunities, and elevate women’s leadership across borders. As you all are aware, FICCI FLO has always been at the forefront of promoting and empowering women entrepreneurs, not only within India but also globally” said Ms Verma.
“Both FLO and PHilWEN shall take concrete steps to foster friendship and understanding between the business women of India and ASEAN to promote cooperation in trade, investment, services and women economic empowerment between both the countries. As leading business organizations in India and ASEAN region, FLO and PHilWEN are both committed to promote trade and investment between India and ASEAN Countries.” Said Ms Vinita Bhimbhet, Chair India for IAWBF and Past president FLO.
“FLO being the oldest Chamber for women in the South East Asia region, FLO recognizes that women’s participation in the political and economic activities of a society enriches the fabric of a nation. Under the aegis of IAWBF FLO and PHilWEN will endeavor to provide a platform for exchange of information with regard to trade, economic cooperation and services between the two countries particularly with regard to women entrepreneurs” Ms Bimbhet said .
During its visit in India the Philippine delegation visited FICCI FLO industrial park in Hyderabad having 100% women owned units . A B2B meeting was also held between business women from both countries. From India, two FICCI FLO members were honored and from the Philippines two exemplary women leaders were recognized during the event .Those who were present on the occasion included diplomats from various countries, Ms Abha Dalmia , past president, FLO, Ms Poonam Sharma, Senior Vice President FLO and Ms Rashmi Sarita, Executive Director FLO.
