BRICS Business Forum: On women-led businesses, Iran and UAE are on the same page
At the BRICS Business Forum, Iran and the UAE jointly advocated for stronger networks and strategic integration of women‑led enterprises across the bloc, urging the creation of a B2B matchmaking platform. Delegates highlighted that women head roughly 80% of BRICS MSMEs and called for better market access, financing and cross‑border partnerships.
- ✓At the BRICS Business Forum, Iran and the UAE jointly advocated for stronger networks and strategic integration of women‑led enterprises across the bloc, urging the creation of a B2B matchmaking platform.
- ✓Delegates highlighted that women head roughly 80% of BRICS MSMEs and called for better market access, financing and cross‑border partnerships.
- ✓Civic Domain: Categorized under business public notices.
The BRICS Business Forum on Friday saw Iran and the United Arab Emirates converge on a common agenda to boost networks for women entrepreneurs across the 21‑member bloc. Iranian pharma‑chemical leader Zahra Rahaie, founder of Navak Chemipaksh and president of the National Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Iran, urged the bloc to move beyond symbolic inclusion toward a strategic B2B matchmaking platform. From the UAE, Feryal Ahmadi, Deputy CEO and COO of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, highlighted the emirate’s model as a bridge for women‑led firms to reach global markets, while Russian chair Anna Nesterova of the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance emphasized cultural exchange as a business tool.
The session featured an all‑women panel addressing a largely male audience and cited that about 80% of micro, small and medium enterprises in BRICS are either led by women or heavily involve them. Speakers referenced the ongoing financial uncertainty stemming from the Russia‑Ukraine conflict and tensions in West Asia, noting that sanctions on Iran have spurred frugal innovation among its entrepreneurs. The forum called for new funding mechanisms targeting medium‑sized and women‑led enterprises, and for systematic integration of these businesses into trade and investment discussions.
Stakeholders across the bloc—including entrepreneurs, investors and policy makers—stand to benefit from enhanced market access, financing, technology transfer and cross‑border partnerships. By strengthening the role of women‑led firms, BRICS members aim to build economic resilience in a region grappling with geopolitical and economic challenges. The consensus underscored the need for coordinated policy action to unlock the potential of millions of women entrepreneurs across the bloc.
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| Issuing Authority | The Indian Express National |
|---|---|
| Topic Category | BUSINESS |
| Jurisdiction | All India / National |
| Publication Date | 12 September 2026 |