The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives aims to increase the participation of Malaysian SMEs in international trade shows to showcase their products and services on a global platform.
According to Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick, the success of SMEs on the international stage will serve as an inspiration for other local businesses to strive for greater achievements.
Speaking at the SME Future Day event in Berlin, Ewon mentioned that the ministry, in collaboration with its agencies SME Bank and SME Corp, has facilitated the participation of four Malaysian SMEs and two franchise companies at the annual event, which attracts around 5,000 SMEs along with government and corporate entities.
These Malaysian SMEs have already expanded their operations overseas and are keen to further penetrate the German and European markets. Ewon expressed optimism that their presence at the event would mark the beginning of a new chapter for these companies and would motivate other SMEs in Malaysia to explore international markets.
Ewon highlighted initiatives such as SME Bank’s Business Exports Programme and SME Corp’s SMEs Go Global programme as examples of the ministry’s support to assist companies in venturing abroad.
Additionally, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, in his keynote address, emphasized foreign investment in Malaysia, attributing it to the country’s political stability, good governance, excellent infrastructure, and positive diplomatic relations.
Ewon also mentioned the ministry’s annual participation in the Gulfood expo in Dubai, primarily focused on the food and beverage industry, but emphasized the desire to diversify participation to include sectors like manufacturing, IT, engineering, and sports apparel.
Looking ahead, the ministry aims to establish market linkages outside Malaysia and plans to present detailed proposals to the National Economic Action Council in April. Ewon stressed the importance of SMEs meeting market demands, including halal certification for food and beverage products, and complying with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) guidelines to cater to international standards and market preferences.
He expressed hope that more companies would adhere to these standards, facilitating their representation at international expos in the future.
