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 a 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 making progress addressing financial gaps among micro, small, and medium size 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 the future of business optimization and commercial collaboration.
Leading private sector subject matter experts facilitated workshops on funding opportunities for startups, as well as generative AI and digital tools for participants to optimize business efficiency and expand their market. Participants had the opportunity to have one on one consultations with experts through a series of design sprint activities, allowing them individualized time to brainstorm business challenges with industry experts. DIFEM also highlighted the value and importance of centering women entrepreneurs through the Making Digital Space for Women in Fintech as well as Mentorship and Collaborative Leadership Interviews with women leaders in the public and private sector, including U.S. Ambassador to Lao PDR, Heather Variava.
