JOHOR BARU: SME Corp Malaysia will intensify efforts to ensure that local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) play a significant role in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), in line with the agenda of strengthening the segment’s resilience and contribution to the national economy.
Its chief executive officer Rizal Nainy said the strategic collaboration with the Iskandar Regional Development Authority will focus on the active participation of Johor’s MSMEs in the investment value chain, including as suppliers and business partners to domestic and international investors.
“This approach aims to ensure that the economic spillovers from the development of the JS-SEZ can be enjoyed inclusively by local MSMEs, thus enhancing their ability to grow and compete at a higher level,” he told Bernama recently.
He said SME Corp continues to strengthen the coordination of MSME development policies and programmes across various ministries and agencies to optimise economic impact.
In the macro context, Rizal said the 13th Malaysia Plan emphasises the MSME scaling agenda as a key driver of economic growth, with a focus on increasing productivity, innovation and market expansion.
“The government targets an increase in the percentage of medium-sized firms from 1.6% to 5% by 2030, which is expected to strengthen the country’s economic structure through the expansion of high-impact enterprises,” he said. — Bernama
