Hanoi (VNA) - High intelligence together with great bravery will help Vietnamese businesswomen overcome the formidable challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and develop their business in a sustainable fashion, according to the Chairwoman of the Vietnam Association of Women Entrepreneurs (VAWE) Thai Huong.

Speaking at a ceremony to mark VAWE’s 7th anniversary, Thai Huong, who is also Chairwoman of the TH Group, expressed her gratitude to the Party, the State, and the Government for their drastic pandemic prevention and control measures, which helped stabilise the economy. During this tough time, enterprises need to restructure their operations and sharpen their focus on their strengths to further develop, she said, adding that women’s flexibility will help bring tremendous business efficiency.

With the pandemic largely under control, import-export activities have gradually resumed, providing strong momentum to local economic development.

Touching on VAWE’s activities, Huong said that a wide range of programmes have been held by businesswomen around the country to improve digital transformation capacity, renew business management, and better respond to challenges. Highlights of events surrounding the anniversary have included the “Leaders create breakthroughs, adapt to the new situation to develop businesses” and “Businesswomen adapt to the new normal” discussions held by VAWE’s HCM City chapter, a diplomatic party connecting VAWE members with international organisations and embassies, held by VAWE’s Hanoi chapter, and an exhibition of hand-embroidery by VAWE’s Hai Phong chapter.

Though their businesses have been damaged by COVID-19, VAWE members have pioneered the fight against the pandemic by outlaying thousands of billions of VND on vaccine funds, supporting frontline forces, buying ventilators and medical supplies, and establishing 0 VND supermarkets to help disadvantaged workers.

Huong took the occasion to call on each businesswoman to restructure her business’s operations and promote its strengths to overcome the challenges, making contributions to the nation’s economic growth. Organised in both online and offline formats, the celebrations offered an opportunity for VAWE members to gain an insight into post-pandemic economic trends and changes in business models, and to discover breakthrough approaches to adapt to the new situation.

COVID-19 has affected the association’s activities, many of which were cancelled or moved online. This was the first time VAWE members have come together following the success of the second congress of Vietnamese women entrepreneurs in March 2021.

It drew the participation of the Vice President of the Vietnam Women’s Union Do Thi Thu Thao, the International Finance Corporation’s Country Manager for Vietnam, Cambodia and Lao PDR, Kyle F. Kelhofer, and VAWE leaders and members.

🎃 According to Ha Thi Thu Thanh, Chairwoman of Deloitte Vietnam and Vice Chairwoman of VAWE, during the 2021-2026 tenure, VAWE targets expanding its network, improving the capacity of businesswomen, and helping them develop cooperative relations.

It will also work with local associations to promote Vietnam’s business culture, spread positive values to society, and make significant contributions to the country’s economic development./.