Hong Kong as a city synonymous with international business has been chosen to host the Global Summit of Women 2001.

Summit director Irene Natividad described Hong Kong as ``an ideal host’’ for an event focussing on promoting women’s ability to be proactive players in the global market. ``There is a wealth of women leaders in business and government whom we will showcase at the summit.’’

Four hundred female leaders from international government and private sectors will gather in Hong Kong this month for the summit.

Now in its 11th year and informally named the “Davos for Women” by past participants, the summit aims to celebrate women’s leadership by bringing together influential women from around the world to participate in seminars and cross-border networking.

Participants will learn about business opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region at the opening plenary session on September 14, with speeches from chair of Clemente Capital Lilia Clemente (known as “the Wonder Woman of Wall Street”); chair of The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong Paula Delisle, and Motorola corporate vice-president for Asia-Pacific region S.K. Ko.

Other speakers will include CEO of Sungjoo International Sung Joo Kim, Ireland’s Minister of State Liz O’Donnell and South Africa’s Minister of Minerals and Energy Phumzile Mlambo.