Women entrepreneurs worldwide get the chance to compare notes on business operations and exchanges as the 11th Global Conference of Women Entrepreneurs opened in Beijing September 16, 2004.

In the best golden autumn season, about 500 businesswomen from 22 countries and regions gathered in the Chinese capital city for the four-day conference to seek more business opportunities and enhance exchange.

At the opening ceremony in the Great Hall of the People, China's vice-premier Wu Yi delivered a welcome and congratulatory speech. Gu Xiulian, vice-chair of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and president of the All-China Women's Federation, made a keynote speech.

The get-together, co-sponsored by All-China Women's Federation (ACWF)and the International Federation of Women Entrepreneurs, aims at strengthening exchanges and cooperation among women entrepreneurs and improving their international competitiveness.

"The Chinese government treasures the role of women in economic construction and social progress, and we have made gender equality a fundamental national policy," said Wu, who was voted one of the most influential women in the world.

Women employees made up 46.7% of China's total labor force. In medium-sized state enterprises, female workers account for 38%, said Gu. And of all entrepreneurs in China, women take up 20% and the percentage is on the rise.

ACWF statistics indicate that those successful businesswomen usually have a comparatively better education background than their male counterparts.

A recent survey, conducted by China's major news portal Sina.com, showed that 60% of corporate staffs prefers to have women bosses, who are usually more open-minded, fair and flexible.

Women have demonstrated their power and wisdom in the business world, an arena used to be dominated by men. And their career scope has been expanded from the traditional service industries into various sectors as science and hi-tech fields.

Janet Ang, vice-president of IBM Singapore, said women should be encouraged to try their ability in business and bring their potential into full play. "I quite agree with the saying that 'Impossible is nothing.' Women do have the capability to accomplish in many fields as long as we are confident."

(China Daily September 18, 2004)