The government always supports business people in producing domestic products that are environmentally friendly and of high quality and internationally competitive so that they can become kings in the domestic market and realize an increase in sustai
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Trade Ministry is committed to empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to improve the quality of environmentally friendly products through technical guidance activities. "The government always supports business people in producing domestic products that are environmentally friendly and of high quality and internationally competitive so that they can become kings in the domestic market and realize an increase in sustainable export performance," the Trade Ministry's Director General of Domestic Trade Tjahya Widayanti said in Jakarta, Wednesday.

Widayanti made this statement during the opening of the Product Development Technical Guidance event in Cirebon, West Java.

Support from the government in increasing competitiveness and ease of market access for SME products, as well as increased use of domestic products, is regulated in Law Number 7 of 2014 concerning Trade and Ministry of Trade Regulation No. 47 of 2016 concerning Increasing Use of Domestic Products.

Related news: Government to cover 30 pct of small industry`s production cost

The economic strength of a country comes from the potential of being a regional power, and the regional government should play an important role in utilizing natural resources to ensure a favorable economic value, according to Widayanti.

"In addition, the use of appropriate technology is also needed to catch up with other regions and countries," she said.

In technical guidance specifically for batik entrepreneurs, the activity was focused on diversifying natural coloring from local wisdom.

Coloring of batik cloth is generally done using chemical dyes. However, the coloring process is increasingly popular using raw materials from nature. By using natural dyes, the process of making batik becomes more environmentally friendly.

"The batik fabric manufacturing industry, both small and medium scale, is encouraged to use natural dyes. Waste from dyeing batik with natural dyes is considered safe and does not cause environmental pollution," Widayanti explained.

This guidance program on July 10 and 11, 2019, was attended by 100 business people from the field of batik who were assisted by the Head of the Cirebon District Trade and Industry Office.

After the implementation, the Ministry of Trade will continue to provide assistance to those engaged in the business to strengthen the product.

"This activity is expected to be beneficial for business people in increasing knowledge, skills, production techniques, and business management. So, business people can develop their business more broadly and become independent," she concluded. (INE)

Related news: 29 Indonesian SMEs win fast moving business awards

Related news: Tourism Ministry supports tourism-related SMEs in Labuan Bajo

EDITED BY INE

Translator: Seila Panduarsa/Eliswan Azly
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2019