KUALA LUMPUR: In the wake of strong anti-global sentiments, it would do well for multinational companies (MNCs) to adopt an inclusive approach to help the micro, small and medium enterprises in Asean.
International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said such a move will not only enable the MSMEs to enhance competitiveness but also counter anti-globalisation sentiments.
" This will also lead to an inclusive approach towards strengthening the linkages between the big companies and MSMEs to be benefit from the regional integration initiatives," he said in Vientiane, Lao where he is attending the 48th Asean economic ministers meeting.
" In addition, it will provide MSMEs the necessary expertise to develop and promote competitive and creative products."
Asean ministers welcomed the Asean-China Centre, Asean-Japan Centre and Asean-Korea Centre located in Beijing, Tokyo and Seoul respectively where there are programmes to assist ASEAN MSMEs tap on the opportunities arising from the enhanced partnership between ASEAN and the 3 countries.
Likewise, the various Asean business councils should also step up on their engagements with the MSMEs as they can help in resolving the problems and overcome barriers.
For example, ASEAN-Korea Business Council has proposed to enhance networking within MSMEs by creating sectoral board namely biotech, internet of things (IoT), food, cosmetics, retails, 3D printing and energy.
Malaysia through SME Corporation has been actively working with these dialogue partners and centres to assist Malaysian MSMEs.
Many of these programmes have benefitted Malaysian MSMEs to penetrate the regional market and to go global.
In Malaysia, micro enterprises represent some 70 per of all business enterprises.
The Asean Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint 2025 and the ASEAN SME Master Plan 2025 have outlined specific and focused measures to create globally competitive, resilient and innovative MSMEs.