On January 10, 2025, Foreign Trade University successfully oragnized a workshop titled “International Trade in the New Context: Barriers and Challenges for Women-Led Enterprises” as part of the WTO Chair Program at Foreign Trade University (FTU-WCP) for the 2022-2026 period.
The workshop welcomed distinguished guests, including Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyet Minh, Founder and CEO of Welead; Dr. Nguyen Hung Cuong, Dean of Business Administration Faculty at Vietnam Women’s Academy; and Ms. Pham Nhat Nga, Director of Creative Solutions Consultancy, along with representatives from various enterprises.
From FTU, the event featured the participation of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Thi Hien, Vice President of the University; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trinh Thi Thu Huong, Director of FTU-WCP Program; Dr. Vu Kim Ngan, Deputy Director of FTU-WCP Program; Heads and Deputy Heads of many departments, program members, lecturers, and students.
In her opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Thi Hien emphasized the pivotal role of women-owned businesses in driving economic growth and creating sustainable value for the community. She highlighted key challenges such as limited access to capital, business networks, and societal biases. She expressed hope that the workshop would serve as an open forum for scholars, policymakers, business leaders, and experts to thoroughly explore the barriers faced by women-owned enterprises in international trade, including global challenges like geopolitical crises, protectionist policies, and digital transformation. She also called for actionable solutions to enhance competitiveness and amplify women’s voices in global trade and business.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Tuyet Minh affirmed that global value chains present significant opportunities for women entrepreneurs. She highlighted Vietnam’s progress in gender equality initiatives and the rise of prominent women-led enterprises like Vietjet, TH True Milk, and BRG. However, she also pointed out persistent challenges, including digital transformation, compliance with international regulations, and climate change. She expressed confidence that the workshop would foster connections and shared knowledge to strengthen women’s roles in corporate leadership.
The program featured two main sessions: the Presentation Session and the Roundtable Discussion.
In the Presentation Session, three speakers shared their insights.
Dr. Nguyen Hong Hanh, lecturer at Foreign Trade University, presented on “Gender Mainstreaming in Trade Agreements.” She discussed how gender provisions could appear in the preamble, objectives, or as standalone chapters, covering aspirations, affirmations, or requirements for increased female participation in business decision-making. These provisions may also include mechanisms for cooperation or dispute resolution. While Vietnam actively participates in free trade agreements, gender-related provisions remain general (CPTPP, EVFTA) or vague (RCEP).
Dr. Nguyen Hung Cuong delivered a presentation on “Challenges and Support Needs for Women Entrepreneurs in Vietnam in the New Context.” He highlighted the role of entrepreneurship in driving innovation, job creation, local economic development, and international cooperation. He shared that the National Program for Women Entrepreneurs (2007-2025) has exceeded its goals while addressing ongoing challenges for women entrepreneurs.
Ms. Pham Nhat Nga discussed “Empowering Women-Owned Businesses in the New Context: Trends and Recommendations.” She explored emerging trends such as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and technology, offering actionable recommendations to help women-led enterprises thrive globally.
The Roundtable Discussion, moderated by Dr. Luong Thi Ngoc Oanh (FTU), focused on overcoming barriers, seizing new trends, and identifying essential knowledge and skills for women leaders.
The workshop concluded with a closing speech by FTU representatives, who extended heartfelt thanks to all participants for their valuable contributions to the success of the workshop on “International Trade in the New Context: Barriers and Challenges for Women-Led Enterprises.”
