International Labour Organization and J.P. Morgan launch new initiative to support women entrepreneurs in Thailand
The project will ensure women entrepreneurs have the right tools to recover sustainably from the COVID-19 crisis.
Bangkok, June 21, 2021 – The International Labour Organization (ILO) and J.P. Morgan launched today a new initiative to support women entrepreneurs in Thailand as they look to recover from the pandemic and build long-term business resilience. The project, first announced last month, is open to women business owners in Malaysia and the Philippines as well.
The 18-month project, titled ‘Rebuilding Better: Fostering Business Resilience Post-COVID-19’, targets small businesses owned by women in the manufacturing, service and retail trade sectors in urban areas, all of which have been hard hit by COVID-19 restrictions and the economic downturn. The project will leverage digital tools to enhance women entrepreneurs’ access to critical support services, such as financial resources, training, market information and networks.
The launch of the project in Thailand was marked by a virtual forum that took place today, attended by the program’s strategic partners including representatives from the Ministry of Labour, the Employers' Confederation of Thailand, Bank of Thailand and The Federation of Business and Professional Women of Thailand (BPW Thailand). During the session, participants discussed initial findings of a project study conducted by the Rebuilding Better project during early months of implementation. It was clear from discussions that targeted support to help women entrepreneurs recover from the pandemic is key to inclusive economic growth and building resiliency in Thailand for the long term.
“The last year has been challenging for women entrepreneurs in Thailand as well as globally. During the still ongoing pandemic, women entrepreneurs have struggled to manage increased domestic responsibilities, with families working and studying at home, while also keeping their businesses afloat. It is vital that we work together for an equitable, gender-responsive and inclusive recovery”, said Graeme Buckley, Director of the ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team for East and Southeast Asia and the Pacific, and Country Office for Thailand, Cambodia and Lao People's Democratic Republic, in his opening remarks.
“This collaboration with ILO is a testament to J.P. Morgan’s commitment in supporting efforts that promote inclusive and equitable access in the countries in which we operate. Now more than ever, businesses have a responsibility to step up to help solve pressing challenges around the world. Women play a critical role in economic growth, and we want to help female entrepreneurs recover from the impact caused by COVID-19 and pivot towards sustainable business models,” said Marco Sucharitkul, Managing Director of J.P. Morgan Thailand.
Project Technical Officer
Rebuilding Better, ILO
andersson@ilo.org
Gillian Loo
J.P. Morgan
gillian.loo@jmpchase.com
+65 9863 8120
Maetavarin Maneekulpan
mae@tqpr.com
+662 260 5820
The 18-month project, titled ‘Rebuilding Better: Fostering Business Resilience Post-COVID-19’, targets small businesses owned by women in the manufacturing, service and retail trade sectors in urban areas, all of which have been hard hit by COVID-19 restrictions and the economic downturn. The project will leverage digital tools to enhance women entrepreneurs’ access to critical support services, such as financial resources, training, market information and networks.
The launch of the project in Thailand was marked by a virtual forum that took place today, attended by the program’s strategic partners including representatives from the Ministry of Labour, the Employers' Confederation of Thailand, Bank of Thailand and The Federation of Business and Professional Women of Thailand (BPW Thailand). During the session, participants discussed initial findings of a project study conducted by the Rebuilding Better project during early months of implementation. It was clear from discussions that targeted support to help women entrepreneurs recover from the pandemic is key to inclusive economic growth and building resiliency in Thailand for the long term.
“The last year has been challenging for women entrepreneurs in Thailand as well as globally. During the still ongoing pandemic, women entrepreneurs have struggled to manage increased domestic responsibilities, with families working and studying at home, while also keeping their businesses afloat. It is vital that we work together for an equitable, gender-responsive and inclusive recovery”, said Graeme Buckley, Director of the ILO Decent Work Technical Support Team for East and Southeast Asia and the Pacific, and Country Office for Thailand, Cambodia and Lao People's Democratic Republic, in his opening remarks.
“This collaboration with ILO is a testament to J.P. Morgan’s commitment in supporting efforts that promote inclusive and equitable access in the countries in which we operate. Now more than ever, businesses have a responsibility to step up to help solve pressing challenges around the world. Women play a critical role in economic growth, and we want to help female entrepreneurs recover from the impact caused by COVID-19 and pivot towards sustainable business models,” said Marco Sucharitkul, Managing Director of J.P. Morgan Thailand.
About the International Labour Organization (ILO)
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is devoted to promoting social justice and internationally recognised human and labour rights, pursuing its founding mission that social justice is essential to universal lasting peace. As the only tripartite U.N. agency, the ILO brings together governments, employers and workers representatives of 187 member States to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all women and men.About JPMorgan Chase & Co
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $3.7 trillion and operations worldwide. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, JPMorgan Chase & Co. serves millions of customers in the United States and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients under its J.P. Morgan and Chase brands. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com.For further information, please contact
Sara AnderssonProject Technical Officer
Rebuilding Better, ILO
andersson@ilo.org
Gillian Loo
J.P. Morgan
gillian.loo@jmpchase.com
+65 9863 8120
Maetavarin Maneekulpan
mae@tqpr.com
+662 260 5820