Shafie: SDC capable of developing SMIs and start-ups
Published on: Friday, August 16, 2019
By: Larry Ralon
PAPAR: The Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) action framework, especially through Sabah Agro-Industrial Precinct (SAIP), is capable of playing a role in developing small and medium industry (SMI) entrepreneurs and start-ups in the State, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.“I was informed that SAIP is an agro-industrial centre that is equipped with latest and modern facilities and amenities, from after harvest storage facilities, laboratories, machinery and nurseries to administration consultation offices for SMI entrepreneurs, start-ups and companies.
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“In other words, SAIP here in Papar is the right platform for local entrepreneurs to begin their first step,” he said at the Incubator Graduation and Entrepreneurship Day, organised by Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (Sedia) with the collaboration of Teraju and SMECorp, at SAIP in Kimanis, here, Thursday. His speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister cum Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau.
Shafie, who is also Sedia Chairman, said such an initiative like the event would assist the entrepreneurship and SMI agenda that is currently being implemented by the State Government, spearheaded by the Trade and Industry Ministry.
“The initiatives implemented by several ministries, departments and agencies, be it federal or State, complement one another, especially those related to entrepreneurship and SMI development, which is the Government’s main agenda right now.
“The entrepreneurship and SMI sector can not only spur the economy to the grassroots but also capable of increasing the competency of everyone involved. Because entrepreneurship and business itself needs good values like working hard, dedication, creativity and discipline, and also working together to develop the State and country,” he said.
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Shafie said the Malaysia Government has set up the Entrepreneur Development Ministry at the federal level and the State Government, through the State Budget 2019, has given priority to this agenda in all strategic sectors, namely agriculture, tourism and manufacturing.
“The State Government has also encouraged youths to venture into entrepreneurship activities through the Trade and Industry Ministry, aimed to create 100 successful entrepreneurs annually,” he said.
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He said through the Third State Agriculture Policy, the Government will give emphasis on modernising the agriculture sector, the agro-based downstream industry, increasing productivity and high premium products.
“This policy is capable of providing more opportunities to the agriculture-based SMIs in the rural area and thus able to reduce the socio-economic gap between urban and rural areas.
“The State Government has also taken action to stop the export of timber because clearly it does not give long-term benefit to Sabah. This action is capable of giving an advantage to the SMI businesses and entrepreneurs because raw timber and wood can be processed domestically and this will definitely increase the capability and production of the SMI sector, especially those in the furniture manufacturing industry,” he said.
Shafie also said the collaboration between all parties, including the State Government, Federal Government, chambers of commerce, private sector and local community, will definitely be able to increase local people’s participation in entrepreneurship and also in exploring the international market.
“This will surely enhance the State economy and also the country to a more dynamic and sustainable level, apart from reducing the socio-economic gap not only between urban and rural areas but also between regions, in line with the SDC objectives, he added.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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