Jakarta (ANTARA) - Cooperatives and SMEs Minister Teten Masduki stated that the 2022 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction served as an opportunity for micro, small, and medium enterprises in Bali to be introduced on a global scope.

The 7th Session of GPDRR is an event in which several stakeholders gather to discuss issues related to disaster mitigation. The event takes place on May 23-28, 2022.

“By involving MSMEs in this GPDRR, it was expected that (this forum) could serve as a momentum for the rise of MSMEs, particularly in Bali Province, which has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” he noted in Bali on Thursday.

Based on the impact of the pandemic on Bali’s economy, it was necessary to improve the situation by streamlining strategies and diversifying policies, he stated.

The strategies comprised expanding the sectors which Bali could rely upon apart from its tourism while also developing comprehensive strategies on tourism, trade, and investment.

Thus, he encouraged Bali to hold international-scale events that could function as a platform to promote good-quality MSME products.

“Bali must be a region that is known on an international scope as an export hub for premium MSME products. We want Bali to (function) as a gateway for MSME products to go global,” Masduki stated.

The minister opined that Bali should also highlight the government's initiatives related to disaster mitigation, such as disaster mitigation programs, post-disaster management, and rehabilitation efforts encompassing support for MSMEs affected by the disaster through training and financing.

Moreover, the application of local wisdom in facing disasters should be showcased. The minister noted that one of the four MSMEs products' showcase bore the theme "The Rising Phoenix," which is a mini museum that listed large disasters that had struck Indonesia.

Zone 2, bringing up the theme of "Memento of Indonesia," showcases eco-friendly and zero-waste products; while the third zone, themed "Taste of Indonesia," exhibits national foods and beverages ranging from those identified as national heritage to those of creative industry products. The last zone, themed "Local Rhythm," presented forms of local entertainment.

“Bali must highlight MSME products from business players that were (either) affected by disaster or had special needs as well as introduce and promote creative, innovative, and eco-friendly products through the use of IT or technological innovation,” he stated.

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MSME products showcased at the 2022 GPDRR forum brought up the theme of "The Spirit of Indonesia, from Risk to Resilience." It involved five ministries and agencies as well as more than 200 MSMEs.

The showcase of products is being held on May 23-28, 2022, at two separate locations, with the first being at three hotels -- Conrad Bali, Courtyard Bali Nusa Dua, and Melia Bali -- with a total of 30 MSMEs involved.

The second one in Bali Collection involves 238 MSME products and is held in collaboration with the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry, Youth and Sports Ministry, Trade Ministry, and Industry Ministry.


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Translator: M Baqir I A, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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