One-stop centre for SMEs

[ 13-09-2007 ]

One-stop centre for SMEs

( Thursday September 13, 2007)

By SHAHANAAZ HABIB


KUALA LUMPUR: The Government will set up a one-stop centre for Small and Medium
Enterprises(SMEs) to facilitate the flow of up-to-date information and help small-time
businessmen get bank loans for their business.

Describing the decision as important, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
said setting up the SME central co-ordinating agency was proof of the Government’s firm
commitment towards developing SMEs.
It will come under the International Trade and Industry Ministry and report directly to
the National SME Council chaired by the Prime Minister.

"Having this agency will help in the implementation of Government policies and the SME
programmes as a whole," he said after the 7th National SME council meeting.

He added that the agency would function as a one-stop centre for SMEs for information and
advice.

"It will help small traders and anyone who needs help and information. Sometimes these
small traders go to the banks and the banks say they do not give out small loans and the
trader is at a loss where to go.
"And he will be in a difficult situation and disappointed as well. He doesn’t know where
to go (for a loan)," he said, adding that this is where the one-stop centre would come in
as it would provide the necessary information on where to get the loan.

Nine banks in the country, comprising Bank Rakyat, Bank Simpanan Nasional and Bank
Pertanian and six commercial banks, provide financing for small traders.

Source:
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/9/13/business/20070913182403&sec=business