Erick Thohir: BNI's Presence In London Is A Bridge For SMEs To Penetrate The European Market

SOE Minister Erick Thohir. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir hopes that the existence of the London branch of BNI can open up opportunities for national entrepreneurs, especially MSME players, to achieve international market share.

"The presence of BNI in London is very important for business actors, especially for Indonesian MSME players which we are encouraging to go global," he said at the UK SME's Business Summit 2021 virtual seminar, Thursday, July 29.

According to Erick, as part of a state-owned company, BNI is considered to have the ability to facilitate financial transactions of local entrepreneurs with trading partners in Europe.

"We want BNI London to act as an Indonesian-owned bank that can be a bridge for business players, as well as MSME diaspora associations in the United Kingdom and Europe to partner with business players in Indonesia through comprehensive business solutions," he said.

To note, Indonesia's diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom have existed for decades, to be precise since 1949 until now. The UK is also an important partner for Indonesia, including a trading partner that opens routes to the European region.

"The close relationship and partnership opens up opportunities for cooperation in various sectors, including the MSME sector or small medium enterprise (SME)," he added.

In the future, Erick hopes that more national entrepreneurs will take important steps by daring to penetrate foreign markets.

"The existence of BNI London is very important, and I believe this is one of the best and concrete steps to advance Indonesian MSMEs," he concluded.