Opening session of the eTrade for Women Masterclass for South East Asia and the Pacific 2025

[Video Message]

Dear representatives from the Government of the Philippines and Australia,

Dear partners from Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia,

Dear participants,

I want to warmly welcome you to the third edition of the UNCTAD eTrade for Women Masterclass for Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

The Southeast Asia and Pacific region is at the forefront of digital transformation. The region’s digital economy is growing rapidly, creating new opportunities for innovation, trade, and entrepreneurship. Growth is also supported by large investments into technology. 

And at the heart of this transformation are the entrepreneurs that are driving the change forward.

However, many barriers remain. High trade costs and regulatory fragmentation continue to hold entrepreneurs back. Also finding the right skill sets can be a challenge. And many women entrepreneurs face even greater barriers – from unequal access to finance to the double burden of unpaid care work.

Overlooking women’s potential comes at a steep cost in lost jobs, untapped businesses, and unrealized innovation. According to the International Finance Corporation, if women participated equally in the digital economy, Southeast Asia’s GDP could increase by as much as two hundred eighty billion US dollars by 2030. Also our Digital Economy Report for the Pacific showed that digital entrepreneurship can offer a valuable pathway for economic participation and empowerment.

I am thrilled that we have in this Masterclass women that represent twenty-two businesses from nine countries, exemplifying that barriers can be overcome. You are changemakers – using digital tools to reach new markets, connect communities, and create meaningful opportunities for others.

While challenges remain, businesses in your region can count on strong foundations– from many processes and business functions that are already digitalized to available robust, sex-disaggregated data that inform inclusive policies and foster supportive business environments.

Through frameworks, like ASEAN’s Digital Economy Framework Agreement, countries are working together to create a more open, secure, and inclusive digital space.

Furthermore, a growing network of regional initiatives – including those led by the Pacific Islands Forum – is helping to shape local ecosystems. They provide women entrepreneurs with opportunities to learn new skills, build networks, and grow their businesses.

UNCTAD’s eTrade for Women initiative also contributes to bridging gender gaps and creating a more inclusive digital space. This Masterclass, as integral part of this initiative, offers a chance to learn from industry experts, explore ways to navigate digital markets, and strengthen and grow your businesses. Such opportunities boost innovation, improve business practices, and increase profitability.

I encourage you to make the most of the upcoming sessions. This Masterclass, together with the community of women entrepreneurs you are joining, provides a space to share experiences, tackle common challenges, and learn from one another.

Before closing, I want to acknowledge the financial and substantive contributions from the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia, and express my gratitude to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, the Government of Australia, and the core donors for their support to this Masterclass.

Lastly, I would like to thank our Advocate for the region, Angeline Tham, founder and CEO of the motorcycle taxi app Angkas, for her dedication and commitment to this initiative.

Congratulations again on all your achievements, and I wish you a productive and rewarding week.