KUALA LUMPUR: The Bumiputera Economic Congress provided a space for networking and knowledge sharing, allowing more new ideas and resolutions among Bumiputera entrepreneurs from Sarawak, driving economic growth and prosperity in the community.
In highlighting this, Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said, for Sarawak, the involvement of Bumiputera in entrepreneurship and economy still needed to be emphasised and improved.
“Thus, in order to improve the entrepreneurship ecosystem at a local level, it is essential for the federal government to focus on creating supportive policies and infrastructures,” he said.
Speaking at the closing of the Bumiputera Economic Congress in Putrajaya International Convention Centre today, he said, to create a thriving ecosystem for Bumiputera Sarawak in entrepreneurship, it was essential to provide comprehensive support and resources.
The closing ceremony was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“Create a holistic approach for entrepreneurs, it is essential to adopt a pragmatic
and holistic policy and regulatory framework that can simplify administration and management. This includes facilitating and coordinating all forms of assistance, simplifying business management and reducing bureaucracy as well as decentralising the approval of financing applications,” stated Awang Tengah who is also Deputy Premier of Sarawak.
The government, Tengah added, should also look at creating special incentives such as venture capital, to be managed by the Sarawak Bumiputera Chamber of Entrepreneurs (DUBS).
“We want the federal government to continue incentives for Pinjaman Mudah incentives, subsidies, loan guarantees and grants, especially for entrepreneurs who are new to business, to help in the provision of business premises, training and skills and access to marketing,” he said.
This, he added, would help Sarawak Bumiputera entrepreneurs penetrate a wider market and be able to meet the requirements and regulations such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Certification and Halal certification.
“Formulate a policy so that several components of large projects funded by the federal government can be “carved out and compete” among Sarawak Bumiputera contractors starting from the planning stage until implementation,” he said.
