The Indian Express · 12 Sep, 04:23 · Business briefing

BRICS Business Forum: On women-led businesses, Iran, UAE on same page

Recent reports from the BRICS Business Forum highlight a notable alignment between Iran and the UAE regarding the support and development of women-led enterprises.

What it means for you ↓ Courses for this story

26%average salary uplift after a professional certificate

2.7xfaster promotion for certified professionals

71%of leaders prefer candidates who upskill continuously

20days to your first credential

The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Recent reports from the BRICS Business Forum highlight a notable alignment between Iran and the UAE regarding the support and development of women-led enterprises. Despite differing geopolitical contexts, both nations have identified shared priorities in fostering female entrepreneurship and economic participation. This diplomatic consensus signals a growing regional emphasis on inclusive economic growth within the broader BRICS framework. For professionals, this indicates a potential shift in cross-border trade dynamics and investment opportunities, particularly in sectors where women-led businesses are expanding. The agreement underscores the increasing importance of diverse leadership in international business negotiations and market development strategies.

Employer demand for Business And Management skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

This diplomatic alignment signals emerging opportunities in cross-border trade and inclusive business development. You should prioritise skills in international compliance and cultural intelligence to navigate these evolving markets. Professionals in supply chain management and finance must understand the regulatory nuances of engaging with women-led enterprises in the Middle East and Asia. Consider upskilling in strategic partnerships and gender-inclusive business practices, as these competencies become increasingly valuable for global expansion. Monitor joint ventures between Iranian and Emirati firms, as they often create new roles in project coordination and market analysis. A smart professional would now research specific industry verticals benefiting from this cooperation, such as technology or sustainable energy, and tailor their network accordingly. Focus on building relationships with organisations championing diverse leadership, positioning yourself as an expert in navigating complex, multi-cultural business environments with a focus on equitable growth strategies.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Business And Management, Supply Chain, Finance and Accounting and Leadership — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

Enrol in these
to benefit.

These programmes position you for exactly this shift — online, self-paced, and finishing with a verifiable certificate you can share the day you pass.