Strengthening ties between the UK and ASEAN, a recent trade mission in Jakarta highlighted a transformative collaboration for women entrepreneurs.
Focusing on textiles, apparel, handicrafts, and footwear, this initiative underscores the UK’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and empowering women-led businesses across Southeast Asia.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs through International Trade
Held on 21–22 November in Jakarta, the UK–ASEAN Trade Mission brought together UK businesses and Indonesian women-led enterprises.
This mission was part of the UK Government-funded UK-ASEAN Collaboration on Women’s Economic Empowerment and was organised in partnership with the ITC SheTrades Initiative and SheTrades Indonesia Hub, hosted by the Womanpreneur Community.
This event follows a successful exhibition in Phnom Penh earlier in the week, where 75 women-led businesses from Cambodia showcased their offerings.
In Jakarta, the mission enabled business-to-business meetings, with seven UK companies engaging with 25 Indonesian women-led businesses in sectors critical to Indonesia’s economy.
Driving Inclusive Economic Growth
The trade mission’s opening ceremony featured prominent speakers, including the UK Ambassador to ASEAN, H.E. Sarah Tiffin, who emphasised the importance of empowering women entrepreneurs to achieve sustainable economic development. She noted:
“The UK–ASEAN Trade Mission provides a practical platform for women-owned businesses to connect, collaborate, and thrive in new markets. Our commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs enhances the prosperity and resilience of both UK and ASEAN economies.”
Additionally, H.E. Satvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN, reinforced the significance of women as “vital drivers of innovation and sustainable development.”
Strengthening Business-to-Business Connections
During the mission, UK delegates visited women-led businesses across Jakarta, Bandung, and surrounding areas. They explored opportunities in textiles, apparel, handicrafts, and footwear—sectors pivotal to Indonesia’s export economy.
This hands-on approach fostered direct engagement and strengthened trade relations between the two nations.
The mission also saw the launch of an updated export procedures handbook by ITC, designed to help Indonesian women entrepreneurs navigate the UK market.
This guide covers export requirements for textiles, apparel, footwear, and handicrafts under the UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS).
Main Business Sectors for Collaboration
Sector |
Topic |
Opportunities |
|---|---|---|
| Textiles & Apparel | Sustainable materials & innovation | Increased UK demand for high-quality goods |
| Handicrafts | Traditional & modern design fusion | Boosting exports to UK artisan markets |
| Footwear | Ethical production methods | Strengthening brand presence in international markets |
A Future-Focused Collaboration
This mission is part of the broader SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, a UK Government initiative that fosters gender-inclusive business ecosystems.
The programme promotes inclusive policies, strengthens business support organisations, and engages private-sector partners in ASEAN and other Commonwealth regions.
Mardyana Listyowati, Indonesia’s Director General of National Export Development, expressed her enthusiasm:
“This trade mission will further strengthen trade relations between Indonesia and the UK. The focus on crucial sectors will benefit our economy and provide valuable exposure for our women-led businesses.”
Encouraging Continued Growth
By facilitating direct connections and offering essential resources, the UK–ASEAN Trade Mission aims to create lasting partnerships. Entrepreneurs are empowered to access new markets, foster innovation, and contribute to regional economic resilience.
This initiative not only strengthens UK–ASEAN trade ties but also showcases the UK’s dedication to supporting women in business, fostering inclusive prosperity, and encouraging sustainable development.
Keep updated on the latest Asian trade missions.
Sources: THX News & UK Mission to ASEAN.
