HANOI, November 20, 2014 -- Today 200 businesswomen from across Vietnam gathered in Hanoi to advance their leadership skills for sustainable business growth and to better understand the business environment during Vietnam´s period of international integration and development. The forum was supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with the Hanoi Association for Women Entrepreneurs (HNEW).

“Bringing together so many dedicated businesswomen from across Vietnam, highlights the importance of advancing leadership skills for women entrepreneurs nationwide,” said USAID Mission Director, Joakim Parker. “Women entrepreneurs have the potential to drive Vietnam’s development and growth. This forum should help improve their ability to respond to opportunities in Vietnam’s economic transition, including foreign investment, the Trans-Pacific Partnership and engagement with the One ASEAN Economic Community.”

Highlighting Global Women Entrepreneurship Day, the one-day forum provided practical information to senior and up-and-coming women entrepreneurs on improving talent management, change management, and meeting the demand to comply effectively with international business standards, particularly in accounting and auditing. A panel facilitated dialogue between women entrepreneurs, USAID, and industry specialists on ways to help women entrepreneurs to engage in Vietnam’s emerging markets.

USAID regularly partners with government and civil society to promote economic growth and business development, especially among women and other vulnerable groups. The Hanoi Association for Women Entrepreneurs is a socio-professional and non-profit organization established in 2008 to support and connect women entrepreneurs to exchange, learn from, and share business skills, knowledge and know-how for better management and development of the women-led enterprises.