en
Indonesia
WEConnect International successfully launched its Indonesia initiative on February 28, 2013 in Jakarta with a program that included panel discussions on public and private sector procurement and the critical role of women-owned businesses as suppliers.
“We are eager to work with women business owners in Indonesia interested in growing their companies and selling to multinational corporations,” said Elizabeth A. Vazquez, CEO and Co-Founder of WEConnect International.
“The support from local business associations, government agencies and multinationals has been overwhelming. Women business owners have been amazingly enthusiastic to learn about the possibilities to further their business success,” she added.
The Indonesia initiative, led by Dr. Suryani Motik, is made possible by the generous support of the ExxonMobil Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation.
The launch program, in English and Bahasa, featured keynote addresses and panel discussions. Armida Alisjahbana, Minister of State for National Development Planning and Head of Bappenas, delivered the keynote address. Other speakers and partners from Bank BPTN, HIPPI, Indoprima, Indonesian Chamber of Commerce, IWAPI, KOWANI, MCAI, Sarinah, and World Fashion Week also contributed to the discussion.
Over 180 participants attended the event. Representatives from key Indonesian business associations, government agencies, and major media were also present, as well as senior executives from numerous multinational corporations such as Accenture, Diageo, ExxonMobil, EY, and Walmart.
The event was heavily covered by major Indonesian media, including BeritaSatu, Femina Group, MNC and Tempo.
Left: Participants in the launch of WEConnect International in Indonesia listen to speakers deliver remarks during the program in Jakarta on February 28th; Center: A panel of experts discusses procurement from women-owned businesses during the launch of WEConnect International in Indonesia. From Left to right: Popy Darsono, of DNI Bank and Founder of Indonesia Association of Designers; Rizka T. Laksmi, from Exxon; Michelle Lim, from Accenture, and moderator Adi Marsono; Right: Elizabeth A. Vazquez, CEO and Co-Founder of WEConnect International, and Dr. Suryani Motik, leader of the WEConnect International initiative in Indonesia, speak to members of the Indonesia media during the launch of WEConnect International in Jakarta on February 28th.
