Bangkok, 4 August 2025 – The Royal Thai Embassy in Astana, in collaboration with the CICA Secretariat, the Institute of Asian Studies at Chulalongkorn University, and Thailand’s Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion (OSMEP), successfully hosted a seminar in Bangkok titled “Women’s Role and Contribution to SME Development among CICA Member States”.
The event convened senior representatives from CICA Member States, international organizations, academia and business community. The multi-stakeholder platform facilitated valuable exchanges of knowledge and best practices, focusing on empowering women as key drivers of economic growth and sustainable development.
In her welcoming remarks, Associate Professor Dr. Pavika Sriratanaban, Director of the Institute of Asian Studies at Chulalongkorn University, extended a warm welcome on behalf of the host institution. She highlighted the importance of academic exchange and cross-sectoral dialogue in addressing shared regional development goals.
H.E. Mrs. Piyapin Niyomrerks, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Republic of Kazakhstan, highlighted national efforts to promote gender-responsive policies, enhance women’s leadership in business and deepen regional and international cooperation. The Ambassador emphasized Thailand’s active engagement in CICA’s economic dimensions and related confidence building measures, particularly in the fields of capacity building and knowledge sharing.
CICA Deputy Secretary General Mr. Farid Damirli, extended his gratitude to the Thai partners and co-organizers for their invaluable support, emphasizing the importance of partnership and knowledge-sharing in unlocking the full potential of women entrepreneurs across Asia.
Mr.Farid Damirli, underscored the crucial role of women-led SMEs in fostering innovation, economic resilience and social stability across the CICA region. He also introduced two important initiatives: the CICA Women Council, a newly proposed advisory body aimed at fostering dialogue and enhancing cooperation in the field of women’s affairs across Member States, and the “SME Landscape in Asia: Interactive Guidebook,” a comprehensive digital resource compiling national policies, tools and support mechanisms for entrepreneurs throughout the CICA region, with particular attention to targeted measures designed to empower women-led enterprises.
Ms. Panita Shinawatra, Acting Director General of Thailand’s Office of SMEs Promotion (OSMEP), emphasized Thailand’s commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment through inclusive SME development. She underlined the essential role women play in the Thai economy, while also noting the structural barriers that continue to limit their full participation.
During the seminar, participants explored a broad range of issues related to women’s economic empowerment and SME development across the CICA region. Discussions focused on national experiences, policy tools, and regional trends in promoting women’s entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on socio-economic challenges, support mechanisms and innovative solutions.
This initiative reaffirmed the shared commitment of CICA Member States to promoting inclusive growth, advancing gender equality and supporting sustainable development through joint efforts and regional dialogue.
