On 12 May 2016, the Forum of the ASEAN Strategic Action Plan for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) Development was held in Kuching, capital city of Sarawak, Malaysia, as part of the ASEAN China Entrepreneurs’ Conference (ACE).
Dr. Rebecca Fatima, Secretary-General of the Malaysian Ministry of Industry and Trade, H. E. Mme. Yang Xiuping, ASEAN-China Center (ACC) Secretary-General, and Dr. Dewi Motik Pramono, Advisory Council Representative of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, attended the Forum. About 500 people were present at the Forum. Government officials and representatives of research institutions, business associations and enterprises from China and ten ASEAN Member States had a discussion on SMEs development.
Dr. Rebecca Fatima briefed on the supporting plan and measures of ASEAN and Malaysia for the development of SMEs. She said SMEs accounted for a significant part in ASEAN economy and played an increasingly important role. ASEAN had made strategic plans to support the development of SMEs, which narrowed the development gap among ASEAN countries and assisted women and young entrepreneurs for their start-ups and employment. The Malaysian Government continued to provide convenience for SMEs’ development via technological innovation, market accession, financial support and business matching. She expressed her hope that entrepreneurs attending the Forum would have in-depth communication and explore new opportunities of cooperation.
Secretary-General Yang Xiuping said that ASEAN-China economic integration cooperation had brought concrete benefits to the people of both sides. The implementation of upgraded version of China ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) and the progress of Belt and Road construction had given bilateral cooperation broader perspective. ASEAN and China should further exchange experience in supporting SMEs development and committed themselves to facilitating their overseas expansion. Through information communication, e-commerce platforms and face-to-face communication, we could assist in sustainable development of SMEs from both sides. Secretary-General Yang elaborated on the achievements of ACC in promoting trade and investment cooperation between ASEAN and China. She hoped that entrepreneurs could make good use of the platforms as ACE and exchange each other’s wisdom and experience, seek opportunities of cooperation and realize mutual benefits and win-win outcome.
Dr. Dewi Motik Paramono briefed on the work of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in promoting Indonesia-China cooperation. She said that ASEAN countries and China enjoyed brotherly friendship. The practical cooperation had borne fruitful achievements and the potential was huge. SMEs should further enhance cooperation and expand markets, which would not only facilitate their own development, but also deepen bilateral practical cooperation and do well to the welfare for the people of both sides.
