Published: on 22 Jun 2012
By P. ARUNA
aruna@thestar.com.my
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is prepared to facilitate the entry of Indian entrepreneurs into South-East Asia, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
In launching the Asean-India SME Conference yesterday, he said Malaysia was ready to serve as India's gateway to Asean.
“Both Asean and India are looking forward to accelerate the pace of development of their respective economies.
“The conference will focus on how entrepreneurs from both sides can collaborate to take advantage of the business opportunities that will be unfolding in this part of the world,” he said in his keynote address before also launching SMIDEX 2012, an annual showcase of SME innovations.
He also opened the inaugural SME week 2012, which will take place during the final week of June every year at various locations nationwide.
Najib launching the MPAY service at the SMIDEX’12
exhibition in Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre yesterday.
“Since its beginnings about a decade ago, business relations between Asean and India have seen tremendous growth,” he said, adding that Malaysia was currently the 27th largest foreign investor in India.
Najib said the Government's challenge was in finding ways to support the growth of small and medium industries in the country.
Besides the provision of training and upskilling services, financial support and credit services as well as business matching services, he said the Government also rewarded innovative SMEs.
“We have found that it is inspiring for businesses when we develop recognition programmes to support SMEs that do well,” he said before presenting the SME Innovation Awards to six selected companies.
The grand prize winner, Penchem Technology Sdn Bhd, received prize money of RM1mil, a trophy and a certificate.
The company, which beat 32 other finalists, was also named winner of the “Best Innovation Award” in the manufacturing sector.
Also present were International Trade and Industry Minister (Miti) Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed and SME Corp CEO Datuk Hafsah Hashim.
Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Vijay Gokhale said trade between the two countries had reached a historic high last year at RM40bil.
“Malaysian SME products are well-received in India such as in the textile and electronics sectors,” he said during a press conference later.
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