Hai Phong female entrepreneurs connect to reach further.

More than just a common home for female entrepreneurs in Hai Phong, the Hai Phong City Women Entrepreneurs Association is gradually creating a dynamic, interconnected, and impactful trading ecosystem.

The Hai Phong City Women Entrepreneurs Association signs a cooperation agreement between its member businesses (photo provided by the association).

Bridge of Connection

During the 2023-2025 term, business networking activities were one of the key pillars of the Hai Phong Women Entrepreneurs Association. Hundreds of trade promotion programs were implemented, creating a diverse network of connections between women-owned businesses both domestically and internationally.

A notable achievement is the association's efforts in connecting with foreign partners through collaborative programs. Since the beginning of 2023, the association has worked with the Donghae city government (South Korea), signing two memoranda of understanding for economic development cooperation, opening up trade opportunities for many member businesses.

Activities connecting with Korean and Japanese businesses are continuously implemented, such as connecting OHMURA SOGYO Company (Japan) with Viet Truong Seafood Company to promote exports, or cooperation between garment and cosmetics businesses during an exchange trip to Korea in 2024.

Domestically, trade fairs, supply-demand matching programs, and product exhibitions take place regularly. On commemorative occasions, the association organizes trade promotion activities that attract a large number of members. A prime example is the 2024 Vietnamese Entrepreneurs' Day, when the City Women Entrepreneurs Association organized a trade fair with 30 booths; over 50% of the booths sold out their products, and many valuable contracts were signed on the spot.

In particular, after the merger, intra-regional connectivity was strengthened. The signing ceremony for trade promotion between businesses in the eastern and western parts of the city became an important milestone, affirming the spirit of cooperation and regional linkages within the community of female entrepreneurs.

Beyond just the scale of the event, networking activities delve deeper, aligning with the practical needs of businesses. From the "Rural Market - Vietnamese Tet" program to member gatherings combined with product displays, members have the opportunity to directly engage with consumers, test the market, and promote their brands.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Diep (Ngan Nguyen Probiotic Cooperative) shared: “Thanks to the association's connections, we have collaborated with Song Gia Cooperative to develop organic products, while also mobilizing many women to participate in production. This is not only a business opportunity but also a sustainable direction for the community.”

Affirming the role of a "midwife"

Through its activities, the Women Entrepreneurs Association organizes trade fairs and conferences to promote trade, creating opportunities for members to advertise and introduce their products. Photo: THANH CHUNG

Beyond providing direct economic benefits, the business networking activities of the Hai Phong Women Entrepreneurs Association also create sustainable value for the women-owned business community. This environment helps members improve their management capabilities. Through training programs, seminars, and exchanges, women entrepreneurs are equipped with knowledge about risk management, digital transformation, and adapting to market trends.

Networking activities contribute to the formation of internal supply chains. Prioritizing the use of each other's products and supporting promotion through media and events gradually builds a highly synergistic ecosystem for women-owned businesses. In the context of a volatile market and rising production costs, this networking model helps businesses reduce risks, increase adaptability, and maintain stable operations.

According to Ms. Pham Thi Thuy Ha, Vice President of the City Women's Union, the City Women Entrepreneurs Association has had many outstanding activities in connecting businesses, promoting trade, and supporting members to overcome difficulties, expand production, and contribute to local economic development.

Following the administrative boundary consolidation, the association has not only expanded in scale but also improved the quality of its operations. With over 200 members and no businesses ceasing operations, the organization is increasingly affirming its prestige and appeal. Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh Ha, President of the Hai Phong Women Entrepreneurs Association, emphasized: “Trade promotion is not just a support activity but has become a core strength of the association. We aim to build a close-knit community of women entrepreneurs who develop together – each member being both a partner and a customer of each other.” In the future, the association will continue to provide substantial support: improving management capacity, promoting digital transformation, expanding domestic and international markets, and spreading social responsibility.

From business networking programs to strategies for building a women-owned business ecosystem, the Hai Phong Women Entrepreneurs Association demonstrates its crucial role as a bridge between its members and the market. In this new development environment, this connection provides impetus for each business, contributing to the sustainable development of the local economy and affirming the capabilities and position of women entrepreneurs in the era of integration.

THANH HOA

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/nu-doanh-nhan-hai-phong-ket-noi-de-vuon-xa-540064.html