The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced its commitment to supporting female entrepreneurs in developing countries through a million contribution to the Women Exporters In Digital Economy Fund. This fund, part of a larger million initiative unveiled by Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of the World Trade Organization (WTO), aims to empower women exporters to take advantage of opportunities in the digital economy.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade and Chair of the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference 2024, highlighted the importance of celebrating and supporting women-led businesses for driving economic growth. The fund seeks to address financial hurdles and open up new opportunities for women entrepreneurs in developing countries.
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, also announced a million grant from the UAE to support key initiatives of the WTO during the 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi from February 26th to 29th. This grant will specifically benefit the Fisheries Funding Mechanism, the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), and the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, demonstrating the UAE’s commitment to empowering women in trade.
Sheikh Abdullah expressed pride in hosting the WTO’s highest decision-making body in Abu Dhabi, bringing together leaders, ministers, and representatives from 166 Member States for important discussions on trade issues and the modernization of global trading rules.
This initiative represents a significant step towards empowering women entrepreneurs and driving economic growth through the digital economy, creating opportunities for women-led businesses worldwide.