The state government should inform Penangites as to what it had done for the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and manufacturing industries here since it came into power about three years ago.

Penang Gerakan Economic and SME Development bureau head Michael Heah said in a press conference recently that this should be in line with the CAT (Competent, Accountability and Transparency) government’s promise to the people of Penang.

Heah said the state should review its strategies and success records by ‘weeks’ and ‘months’.

“The economic environment in the region is changing rapidly and everything is changing very fast and we cannot always compare to what the previous government had done,” he said.

He also said the state has organised numerous business trips overseas but the people of Penang have yet to see any substantial amount of investment coming in.

“The people want to see results and figures and not empty promises,” he said.

Heah said the state should move forward faster than their predecessor and convince Penangites that they can attract more foreign direct investments (FDIs).

He added the state can help SMEs export their products into new markets like the Middle East, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines and even Myanmar by holding free short training and marketing courses for SMEs.

He said the Federal Government could look into the incentives while the state could help the companies enhance their marketing and promotion strategies by holding such short courses.

He added that Gerakan was willing to work together with any party on this matter to benefit Penangites.

Heah said the state Gerakan would hold a dialogue with Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) chairman Datuk Mah Siew Keong on Dec 8.

The dialogue which is expected to draw about 100 SMEs will be held at 2.30pm at the 10th floor of Suntech City in Bayan Baru.

Heah said the dialogue would provide an opportunity for SMEs which want to participate in overseas trade fairs and exhibitions to find out how they can apply for the market development grants (MDG).

The grant which saw RM80mil being given out since its launch in 2002 is now being reviewed and tightened by the Government to benefit more SMEs intending to expand their business overseas or the Asian region.

Heah said RM22.5m has been allocated in MDG for the SMEs next year and many SMEs are expected to take up the grants in view of the global competition.

He said interested companies can register by calling 04-6462020 or call the state Gerakan headquarters at 04-2292724.

Registration is free.

by Editorial Desk
gerakan4u.com