Malaysia-Kepri Hold Cooperation To Boost SME Productivity

Cooperation with Riau Islands-Malaysia in the MSME sector/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - It is hoped that it will stimulate the sales of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) products. Dozens of small and medium businesses on the Indonesia-Malaysia border, Riau Archipelago and Johor Malaysia will cooperate with Malaysia and Riau Islands.

At least 12 SME players from two countries presented their respective products and immediately received responses from other business actors who were interested in marketing them in their respective countries.

"The Al Ahmadi Entrepreneurship Center (AEC) and the Malaysian Malay Commerce Council (DPMM) collaborate to pave the way for MSME players from Riau Islands and Malaysia to explore business opportunities that can be created during the pandemic," said AEC Director Lisya Anggraini, quoting Antara, Saturday, August 28.

She is optimistic that SMEs in Riau Islands have the opportunity to export their production to Malaysia. Not only because the products are attractive, but also because the neighboring Riau Islands location makes the process of shipping goods easier.

DPPM President Halim Husin expressed hope that this activity could become the main generator of business cooperation between Malaysia and the Riau Islands.

Chairman of the Batam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jadi Rajagukguk, conveyed that the cooperation between business actors in Batam and Johor had been going on for a long time.

MSMEs, he said, must continue to widen their business network so that they can continue to progress and develop.

As a border area and industrial area, the export value of the local area is relatively high during the pandemic. However, unfortunately, exports are still dominated by the growing manufacturing industry in Batam.

"With this activity, it can open up new opportunities for MSMEs. What are the needs of Malaysia and the Riau Islands, can complement each other," he said.