In his remarks at the forum on Wednesday (November 22), Investment Ministry's Secretary Ikmal Lukman noted that the government was organizing the forum to facilitate MSME actors in establishing partnerships with major businesses.
Lukman remarked that the Investment Ministry is committed to facilitating the establishment of partnerships between MSMEs and other businesses in the hopes of allowing the former to play a more significant role in the national economy.
He noted that the ministry's program focused on facilitating such partnerships was devised to help MSME players augment their business capacity and access broader markets.
"Hopefully, MSMEs will be able to compete at the global level. In order to support the partnership program, it is imperative for relevant parties to collaborate in assisting MSMEs in becoming business entities that are ready to partner with major business players," he elaborated.
Meanwhile, Dekranas' Head of the Business Management Division Sri Suparni Bahlil explained that the forum was also held with the objective of educating MSME players on the importance of business management, so they can boost their competitiveness.
According to Bahlil, highly competitive MSMEs could provide significant benefits to Indonesia's economy.
"It is necessary to continue to pay attention to MSMEs, so they can grow and produce multiplier effects for the country. Paying special attention to this sector is equal to advancing regions," she remarked.
The forum, which is part of the Sail Teluk Cenderawasih national tourism event, is aimed at encouraging the optimization of the region's potential, she stated.
Biak Numfor District Deputy Head Calvin Masnembra, on his part, extended appreciation to the Investment Ministry and Dekranas for their efforts to bolster the capacity of MSME actors in Papua, especially those operating in Biak Numfor.
He then expressed hope that the forum would stimulate MSME players in the district to put utmost efforts to elevate their levels of capacity and competitiveness.
"We believe that this forum will provide us with recommendations for realizing sustainable regional development, which, in turn, will advance Indonesia," Masnembra remarked.
The forum, which drew participation from over 200 MSME players, also featured a service desk that provides MSMEs with information on how to obtain business identification numbers (NIB) and financing from banks.
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Translator: Ade Irma, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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