Malaysia is prepared
to facilitate the entry of Indian entrepreneurs into South-East Asia.
In
launching the Asean-India SME Conference yesterday, Prime Minister Najib Tun
Razak 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.
There
are currently 77 Indian companies operating in Malaysia, including 70 joint
ventures.
“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 1
million ringgit (US$313,627), 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) Mustapa Mohamed
and SME Corp Chief Executive Officer Hafsah Hashim.
Indian
High Commissioner to Malaysia, Vijay Gokhale said trade between the two
countries had reached a historic high last year at 40 billion ($12.55 billion).
“Malaysian
SME products are well-received in India such as in the textile and electronics
sectors,” he said during a press conference later.
P.
Aruna
The
Star
Business & Investment Opportunities
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