Collaboration Needs to Strengthen Indonesian MSMEs Competitiveness

Jakarta – The Trade Minister, Zulkifli Hasan revealed that collaboration from all parties is needed to strengthen the competitiveness of Indonesian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The central government, local governments, state-owned enterprises, the private sector, and all parties can take roles according to their respective fields.

"Indonesian economic progress can only be obtained if all elements of society work together. We can all work together," Minister Zulkifli Hasan said at the Indonesia Entrepreneur Challenge or IEC 2023 award ceremony at the Ritz Carlton Hotel Jakarta, on Wednesday.

Minister Hasan emphasized that for the advancement of MSMEs, business actors must receive training. Knowledge in doing business can be used to innovate products and processes, and increase the value of businesses and products.

He gave an example that chili sauce packaged in plastic has a lower selling value. But if the product is packaged in a glass bottle, it will increase the price and sales and increase profits.

"The same product will increase in value if it has a label with foreign language writing. For example, English and Arabic," the Minister explained.

That way, buyers are not only from one country, but also from various countries, "The price can be higher and the market share is bigger,"

Minister Hasan emphasized the importance of entrepreneurs and MSME players receiving entrepreneurship education.

"The Indonesia Entrepreneur Challenge or IEC 2023 activity that was held is a form of support for MSME players to upgrade," the Minister remarked.