SMIDEX 2012 expected to record 20pc rise in sales

Source From (Business Times): http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/jrsmms/Article/

Published: on 20 May 2012
By June Ramlee

KUALA LUMPUR: SME Corp Malaysia expects the SME Innovation Showcase 2012 (SMIDEX 2012) to record a 20 per cent increase in negotiated sales this year from RM194.7 million last year.

Chief executive officer Datuk Hafsah Hashim said the three-day exhibition to be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from June 20 to 22, will see a higher number of participation from international exhibitors.

"In terms of business matching value, we hope to reach RM220 million this year, with the increased presence of international exhibitors," she told reporters after the soft launch of SMIDEX 2012 yesterday.

Also present at the event was SME Corp chairman Datuk Mohamed Al Amin Abdul Majid.

Hafsah said in conjunction with the exhibition, SME Corp will organise the Asean-India SME Conference from June 21 to June 22 to provide a platform for local small and medium enterprises to leverage on the Asean-India free trade agreement (FTA). The FTA came into force on January 1 2010.

She said SME Corp will also introduce the SME Week for the first time during the SMIDEX 2012 to create better visibility on the country's SME products and services.

Themed "SMEs Shaping the Future", this year's SMIDEX is expected to attract more than 200 foreign and local exhibitors.

Over 10,000 participants from the business and public sectors are expected to attend the event, which will highlight the latest lifestyle products from Malaysia and around the region.