- Ms. Periquet delivered the Opening Statement and welcomed all the participants. Ms. Periquet gave an overview of the state of entrepreneurship in the Asia Pacific region, with special notation on the youth sector and start-up businesses. She stressed that there is a need for young entrepreneurs to communicate with their counterparts in other countries using the YEGAP and the CACCI as the platform for achieving this objective.
- Mr. Jhondie Abenaza, an award-winning technology entrepreneur from the Philippines, shared his best business practices in the business of information technology and software entertainment. Mr. Abenaza also talked about his extensive experience in the production of websites, software applications and video games. He stated that starting a business is already a challenge and expanding the business is even a greater challenge. He expressed his hope that he would be able to pick-up some advice from his colleagues from other countries on how to further foster entrepreneurship in the Philippines.
- Mr. Mangesh Lal Shrestha, President of the Nepalese Young Entrepreneur’s Forum and Director and CEO of CAS Total Solutions, shared his wealth of experience in the ICT sector. He also discussed the many benefits of doing business in Nepal, particularly in the telecommunications, healthcare, energy and tourism industries. Mr Shrestha also gave an overview of the present state of entrepreneurship in Nepal, as well as its problems and concerns. He also made a presentation on the Nepalese Young Entrepreneur’s Forum, focusing on its activities and the important role it plays in helping contribute to the vitality of the communities, the SMEs, and the local economies. He also expressed his personal view on Nepal’s possible role in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Ms. Khulan Davaadorj, a Mongolian entrepreneur, shared her business testimonial from the “Kitchen to Store” as founder of Natural Essentials LLC in 2014. Her company produces natural and healthy products with unique Mongolian raw materials in the most environmentally friendly way. She shared how she started Mongolia’s first ever organic skincare brand LHAMOUR with the vision to be a leading role model, proving to people that Mongolia can produce high quality products. Ms. Davaadorj discussed her efforts in trying to pave the way for Mongolians to overturn conventions and start little by little in order to eventually contribute to positive social change and economic growth in Mongolia and even Asia. She also highlighted her role as a lead advocate of the entrepreneurship movement in Mongolia.
During the open forum, some of the participants shared their respective country’s state of entrepreneurship and programs. They included: India, Philippines, Bangladesh and Taiwan. Participants also discussed trends and developments, concerns, and prospects for growth of entrepreneurship in the region. They likewise explored possible areas of cooperation among CACCI members in promoting entrepreneurship among the start-up entrepreneurs. The participants agreed that the YEGAP is a good role model for chambers that are creating entrepreneurs group in their respective chambers and countries.
