‘Women entrepreneurs are critical to ASEAN’s economic growth’ said Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen

Women entrepreneurs have played and will continue to play an important role in boosting ASEAN’s economic growth in the post-Covid-19 era, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen stated on Wednesday.

Hun Sen said women entrepreneurs are a key driving force for sustainable and resilient socio-economic recovery and development toward building a common future and prosperity at the second ASEAN Women Leaders’ Summit in Phnom Penh, which was held in a hybrid format, according to Xinhua news agency.

He stated that ASEAN is a region with high economic potential and rapid development, owing primarily to women’s active participation.

“The ASEAN economies rely heavily on micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) led by women,” Hun Sen said.

“Within the ASEAN framework at present and in the future, women will continue to play a significant role, especially in recovering and boosting sustainable, inclusive and resilient ASEAN economic growth,” he added.

Hun Sen, whose country is the ASEAN rotating chair for 2022, stated that in Cambodia, MSMEs accounted for 98 percent of total enterprises, contributed approximately 58% to the national economy, and created approximately 73% of total jobs.

“Of which, women establish and manage approximately 61 percent of all MSMEs,” he said.

“By increasing investment in gender equality and promoting the role of women in development across sectors and at all levels, Cambodia’s royal government has identified and promoted women as the backbone of national socioeconomic development.”

Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam comprise ASEAN.

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