On November 5-6, 2024, 35 young women entrepreneurs from the 10 ASEAN Member States and Japan gathered in Lao PDR at the Crowne Plaza Hotel for the ASEAN-Japan Roundtable Discussion. Organized by the ASEAN-Japan Centre in partnership with the ASEAN Youth Organization and supported by several ASEAN and East Asia business councils, the event provided a platform to explore challenges and opportunities in fostering innovation and sustainability.

Focusing on Enhancing Connectivity and Enhancing Resilience, participants discussed practical solutions for financial inclusion, digital skills, and sustainability practices to strengthen women-led businesses. The program also included visits to successful women-owned enterprises, Enterprise & Development Consultants Co., Ltd. and Leuxay Construction Co., Ltd., in Lao PDR, encouraging valuable knowledge exchange.

The event addressed barriers like funding challenges, digital security, and skills development and emphasized building resilient support networks for women entrepreneurs. A report on the discussions will be presented at the ASEAN-Japan Young Women Entrepreneurs’ Summit in Kuala Lumpur on February 13, 2025.

Read the full press release here: ASEAN-Japan Centre Press Release

The ASEAN-Japan Centre, established in 1981, continues its mission to support trade, investment, and cultural exchanges between ASEAN and Japan, promoting economic empowerment and collaboration in the region.