"Women entrepreneurship has become a new trend since gender equality has improved greatly in Taiwan. It not only helps women to stand on their own feet, but also benefits society and the country by creating jobs, " Chiu said at the opening of the expo on the eve of Mother's Day, which falls on the second Sunday of May each year.

Noting that 98 percent of Taiwan's companies are small- and medium-sized enterprises, Chiu said that in establishing their own careers, women entrepreneurs have demonstrated great talent and ability.

NYC Minister Wang Yu-ting said on the same occasion that the government decided to expand the scale of the event this year to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the expo and to encourage more people to join the NYC's women entrepreneurship program.

"It is not enough to simply provide low-interest loans to those who want to set up their own businesses. They also need different entrepreneur guidance at different stages of the process," Wang said.

According to Wang, the NYC launched a free telephone advice program May 1 on 0800 061 689, offering entrepreneurship consultancy services all over the nation to help new entrepreneurs enhance their knowledge and ability.

Aspiring entrepreneurs -- regardless of gender -- can also participate in the 96 free entrepreneurship classes being offered by the NYC this year, she said, adding that "the government always stands by its people." Some 100 women entrepreneurs ranging from people running bakeries and cosmetics companies to education consultancy agents, were invited to take part in this year's Women Entrepreneurship Expo, double the number that were invited to the 2008 show.

They will serve as role models to expo visitors, offering their experience to those who are new to running their own businesses.

(By Rachel Chan)