SheTrades MENA Hub Expands Resources for Women-led Businesses

10x Industry

Mokshita P.
10x Industry
Published:

SheTrades MENA Hub Expands Resources for Women-led Businesses

The ITC and the DEDC have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the SheTrades MENA Hub, aiming to empower women entrepreneurs in the region with skills, resources, and market access opportunities for international trade. The hub, hosted by DEDC, will serve as a resource centre for women-led businesses, offering training and support to enhance their participation in global markets.

On the sidelines of the World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference, the International Trade Centre and the Dubai Economic Development Corporation signed a MoU to establish the SheTrades MENA Hub, aiming to empower women in the MENA to thrive in international trade.

The SheTrades MENA Hub, hosted by DEDC, will function as a comprehensive resource centre, offering women entrepreneurs in the region valuable business-related skills training, ITC SheTrades resources, and opportunities for market access to scale up their businesses.

Pamela Coke-Hamilton, the Executive Director of ITC, highlighted the importance of creating a more inclusive trading system, stating, "The SheTrades MENA Hub helps ensure women in this region have the resources they need to grow their businesses through trade."

The collaboration between ITC and DEDC to continue promoting female entrepreneurship, aligning with the UAE's commitment to supporting women in business. Mohammed Al Kamali, Chief Operating Officer, Manufacturing and Export Development, DEDC, emphasised their dedication to empowering women entrepreneurs, citing the UAE's allocation of US$5 million to the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy Fund.

The SheTrades MENA initiative has already presented opportunities for over 130 women-led businesses to export to the region, focusing on tapping into e-commerce markets. Additionally, the Hub has actively contributed to global efforts to promote the gender and trade agenda.

Earlier this year, the SheTrades MENA Hub played a key role in the WTO ITC High-Level Event on Women and Trade, bringing together over 250 women entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries, along with global business leaders and international development partners. The event facilitated discussions on concrete solutions for challenges facing women entrepreneurs and explored opportunities for women to access new markets in an evolving green and digital global trading system.

The SheTrades MENA Hub stands as a testament to the shared goal of promoting women's entrepreneurship and boosting an environment where women-owned businesses can flourish, connect with global markets, and inspire each other towards greater success.