Government Is Not Gender Bias In Supporting Local Entrepreneurs, Says Rafidah

KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 (Bernama) -- The government have set up good infrastructure and support systems for local entrepreneurs to grow and does not practice gender discrimination, says former International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v7/bu/newsbusiness.php?id=945304
Published: April 28, 2013

She said the current achievements of the small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as, the more organised nature of women entrepreneur associations, was very impressive.

"Most of our SMEs are domestic-oriented, however, there are a few who have gone beyond the borders.

"We encourage them to continue with this linkages within the region and go into areas that have a future for them in order to grow their businesses," she told reporters after delivering a keynote address at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Regional Convention here Friday.

On a regional basis, Rafidah said SMEs should set up focal points in each country by collating essential business framework and keep themselves abreast with regulations in those countries.

"If they understand how the system works in these different countries, they will not be held back in their businesses," she said.

She emphasied that women entrepreneurs themselves must move away from discussing the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs because the market place was gender neutral.

"The issues that matter in business is competitively priced products, delivery schedules and quality," Rafidah added.

The one-day convention, entitled "Access to Trade and Growth of Women SMEs in APEC Developing Economies", was hosted by the Asia Foundation and the National Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA