Korean-American Women Entrepreneurs Unite... First Agreement Signed to Strengthen 'Global Networking'

Ministry of SMEs Holds 'Korea-US Women Entrepreneurs Conference' in New York
Women Leaders from Both Countries Gather... Building Exchange and Consensus
Business Agreement Signed Between Women Entrepreneurs' Organizations... "Foundation for Business Expansion"

[New York=Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] Female entrepreneurs from Korea and the United States gathered in one place to discuss the entrepreneurship needed in the era of digital transformation. Additionally, women's business organizations from both countries signed their first-ever business agreement and decided to establish a global cooperative relationship.

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups held the "Korea-US Women Entrepreneurs Conference" on the 22nd (local time) at the Kimmel Center of New York University in the United States. This conference was organized to help Korean and US women entrepreneurs share their experiences and build continuous cooperative relationships to facilitate smooth business activities.

Minister Lee Young of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, Lee Jeong-han, President of the Korea Women Entrepreneurs Association, Kim Boon-hee, President of the Korea Women Venture Association, Jen Earle, President of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), and about 20 domestic SMEs with potential to enter the US market along with about 13 US companies participated.

In his opening remarks, Minister Lee said, "International issues such as supply chain disruptions and rising raw material prices are becoming more complex," adding, "We have entered an era where meticulous, resilient, and invisible leadership must operate, and the majority of intellectuals believe that women should be at the center of this." He continued, "Starting from today, I hope to build a network between women entrepreneurs of both countries, share ideals and thoughts, and create a new vision."

At the event, special lectures were given by Michelle Kang, CEO of healthcare IT company Cognosant, founded in the US, and Kathleen Stephens, Director of the Korea Economic Institute and former US Ambassador to Korea.

Also, eight Korean and American women business leaders, including Minister Lee, discussed the direction that junior women leaders should take to lead the new era.

At this gathering, women leaders commonly emphasized the importance of "solidarity." Minister Lee said, "Women need to unite, exchange experiences, and become smarter." Kim Myung-hee, CDO of Shinhan Financial Group, stated, "Women leaders need to take responsibility and create solidarity to lead the juniors with leadership." Lee Hyo-jin, CEO of 8 Percent, said, "We should meet many senior women, listen to advice with an open mind, and share with junior entrepreneurs."

Seo Hee, the first Asian principal dancer of the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), said, "Women are the true next-generation leaders," adding, "I believe we must create new norms and a new normal ourselves." Former Ambassador Kathleen advised, "I hope you let go of the burden of having to be devoted to both work and family and look back on the meaning of having accomplished something."

The conference concluded with a business agreement between women's business organizations from both countries. The parties to the agreement are the Korea Women Entrepreneurs Association, the Korea Women Venture Association, and the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), the oldest and largest women's business organization in the US. This is the first time Korean and US women entrepreneurs have signed an agreement to build a foundation for exchange and cooperation.

The Korea SMEs and Startups Agency plans to support women-owned businesses and assist their entry into the global market through the "Global Support Center" to be established in New York next year.

Lee Jeong-han, President of the Korea Women Entrepreneurs Association, said, "I hope women entrepreneurs from Korea and the US communicate more actively, build a strong cooperative system, overcome adversity and limitations, and develop their business capabilities in a larger world."

Minister Lee expected this agreement to serve as a platform for building personal networks among women entrepreneurs from both countries. He said, "In the US and Europe, there are social circles. It is important to create many groups that share common ground," adding, "If Korean and US women entrepreneurs connect and actively exchange, it can become a stepping stone for business expansion."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.