This presentation was presented by H.E. Dr. Kantha Phavi ING, Minister, Ministry of Women's Affairs, Cambodia, at the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Forum, held March 25-26 in Bali, Indonesia.

2. “The most important determinant of a country’s competitiveness is its human
talent - the skills, education and productivity of its workforce. And women
account for one half of the potential talent base throughout the world. Over
time, therefore, a nation’s competitiveness depends significantly on whether
and how it educates and utilizes its female talent. To maximize its
competitiveness and development potential, each country should strive for
gender equality - such as to give women the same rights, responsibilities and
opportunities as men”
www.weforum.org The Global Gender Gap Report_2009_P24

3.  Gender Equality will pay off with
tangible value added in the longterm.

4.  Disparities in competitiveness in ASEAN
requires tailor made solutions and
strategies for each country.

5.  Public investments to increase productivity
need to address inequality in access to
education by incorporating technical and
vocational education elements.

6.  The “entrepreneurial spirit” becomes the
essential lubricant for a nation's ability to
succeed in a fast changing and ever
more competitive global marketplace.

7. ICT can contribute to “inclusive and
sustainable” development – by connecting
and “including” people at the “bottom of
the pyramid”.
 Even people in remote rural locations are
able to build far-reaching networks that are
essential for trade and increasing the
efficiency of doing business.

9. Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi
Minister of Women‘s Affairs Cambodia
Thank you
www.mwa.gov.kh
mwa.online.com.kh