TIF Attended the Meeting of the Women Entrepreneurs Council of the Turkic States

The Turkic Investment Fund took part in the 4th Expanded Meeting of the Women Entrepreneurs Council of the Turkic States and the “Women Forward” Forum and Exhibition, held on 26 November 2025 in Astana.

The Fund was represented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erhan Türbedar, Senior Advisor for Economic Affairs, who attended on behalf of the Fund’s President, H.E. Baghdad Amreyev. Along with the Turkic Investment Fund, the Organization of Turkic States and the Union of Turkic Chambers of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) were also present.

The event brought together a diverse group of representatives from government bodies, international organizations, business associations, and women leaders from across the region.

Discussions moved across several practical themes. Access to finance came up repeatedly, as did the need for stronger networks that can help women move from small-scale ventures to more scalable work. Speakers also looked at how women-led firms could be better supported in green and digital sectors, areas that are becoming central to growth.

In his address, Türbedar noted that women have become a significant force in early-stage entrepreneurship over the past two decades, although the gap between men and women in high-growth firms has remained. He referred to international findings showing that women-led companies often perform well in areas like sustainability and workforce development, even though they start with less capital and face stricter financing constraints. He added that economies lose measurable value whenever women struggle to access finance.

After outlining the broader context, Türbedar shifted to the Fund’s own priorities. He explained that the Turkic Investment Fund aims to strengthen economic cooperation and private-sector development across Turkic countries, and that women entrepreneurs need to be part of this work. He closed by saying that the Fund is ready to cooperate with governments and partners to create wider opportunities for women in the region.

Kazakhstan is assuming the chairmanship of the Women Entrepreneurs Council, established as an initiative of TCCI, which is an important regional effort to support women-led enterprises.