The U.S. Department of State hosted the Digital Innovations for Female Entrepreneurs in ASEAN Meeting (DIFEM) in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) on September 11-12, 2024, as part of the U.S.-ASEAN Connect Digital Economy Series. The DIFEM event supports Lao PDR’s ASEAN chair year efforts to meet 2024 priority economic deliverables by addressing financial gaps among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and supporting the adoption of the Roadmap on Digital Trade Standards in ASEAN.
This two-day event convened 75 digital economy entrepreneurs from MSMEs in ASEAN to engage with private sector technology companies, government officials, and other MSMEs to explore business optimization and commercial collaboration.
Leading private sector subject matter experts facilitated workshops on funding opportunities for startups and generative AI and digital tools for participants to optimize business efficiency and expand their market. Participants had the opportunity for one-on-one consultations with experts through a series of design sprint activities, allowing individualized time to brainstorm business challenges with industry experts.
DIFEM also highlighted the value of centering women entrepreneurs through sessions like Making Digital Space for Women in Fintech and Mentorship and Collaborative Leadership Interviews with women leaders in both public and private sectors. Notable attendees included U.S. Ambassador to Lao PDR Heather Variava.
