Starfruit (malangkota.go.id) – The Directorate of ASEAN Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Malang City Government held seminars and training activities in an effort to increase the potential of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in facing the era of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).
The activity entitled 'Delivery of Policy Recommendations: Utilization of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in the Framework of Increasing the Competitiveness of Agricultural Products and Processed Products' was held at the Atria Hotel Malang, Wednesday (21/2).
Also present at this event were the Director of ASEAN Economic Cooperation Ade Petranto, Acting Mayor of Malang Dr. Ir. Wahid Wahyudi, MT, Head of the Cooperatives and Micro Enterprises Service of Malang City Dra. Tri Widyani P., M.Si, Kajeye Food entrepreneur Kristiawan, and Dr. Thimothy Buecher.
Acting Mayor of Malang Wahid Wahyudi revealed that the potential of Malang City's SMEs is extraordinary. "We have now entered the global era, where the era is competition. In order not to be crushed by the tight competition, Malang City's SMEs must continue to improve their quality," said Wahid, Wednesday (21/2).
The economic center in eastern Indonesia, said Wahid, is actually centered in East Java Province. The proof is the many products from various regions in East Java that flood various regions in eastern Indonesia.
This fact can be captured by SMEs in Malang City to be able to penetrate the tight competition. At the local level, the existence of 53 universities in Malang City can also be a good market for SMEs.
Seeing this, the quality standards of SMEs in Malang City must also be improved. In addition, the use of information technology must be carried out, because with the use of technology various conveniences can be obtained in terms of marketing.
Talking about the economy in countries that are members of the MEA, Wahid Wahyudi added that this is actually an opportunity that needs to be captured together by all groups, especially MSMEs.
Because, the MEA was formed basically so that the ten countries in it, including Indonesia, can position themselves in the economic sector and have great competitiveness.
"I am sure that many SMEs in Malang City do not yet know various information about the MEA. This forum must be utilized well," said Wahid.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Cooperatives and Micro Enterprises Department of Malang City, Dra. Tri Widyani P., M.Si said that the purpose of holding this forum is to improve the economy of the MSME sector in Malang City.
"This activity was attended by 100 SMEs in Malang City. Hopefully, this activity can bring many benefits," hoped Yani, Tri Widyani's nickname. (cah/yon)
