FCCISL at BIMSTEC conference on Women in Development

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) conference on Women in Development was held on 13 January in New Delhi. 

BIMSTEC consists of seven countries in South Asia and South East Asia. The countries are Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal. This conference, organised by the Associated Chambers of Commerce of India (ASSOCHAM), was held under the theme of creating an Ecosystem Supporting Women Entrepreneurship in the BIMSTEC-SAARC region.

The Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Sri Lanka (FCCISL), which is the apex body of chambers and business associations in Sri Lanka, was admitted as an associate member of the BIMSTEC Business Forum in July last year.

On behalf of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Sri Lanka (FCCISL), its Vice President Shirley Jayawardane, who is also the Managing Director of Media Vision Ltd., participated in the conference. Speaking at the conference she pointed out that rapidly globalising world technology is a major factor that determines economic progress including the prospects for women entrepreneurs. Further, she explained that there was still a gender gap globally in respect to skill levels, job status and wages that favours males. 

She reiterated the importance of improving access to finance for women entrepreneurs and the responsibility of trade Chambers to be proactive in creating opportunities for women to become entrepreneurs.