BRICS Business Forum: On women-led businesses, Iran and UAE are on the same page

At the BRICS Business Forum, Iran and the United Arab Emirates demonstrated agreement on the importance of fostering networks for women entrepreneurs and innovators. Both nations highlighted the potential of women-led businesses across the 21 BRICS countries, particularly in manufacturing, services, the digital economy, agribusiness, and creative industries.

These industries are increasingly present but face challenges such as limited market access, financing gaps, regulatory barriers, and weaker integration into global and regional value chains. Zahra Rahaie, founder and CEO of Iran's largest pharma chemical company, Navak Chemipaksh, advocated for the creation of a B2B matchmaking platform for women entrepreneurs and emphasized the need for strategic integration rather than mere inclusion.

Feryal Ahmadi, from the UAE's Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, discussed practical mechanisms to utilize the UAE as a bridge for women-led businesses to enter other international markets. The BRICS Women’s Business Alliance, aimed at enhancing women's economic participation and leadership, emphasized the importance of strengthening women's access to markets, finance, technology, and cross-border partnerships to build regional resilience.