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PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will increase the reach of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to up to 2.2 billion people worldwide through its 15 member countries, says the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti).

Its minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said that the involvement of SMEs through RCEP will accelerate the process of national and regional recovery after Covid-19 through different ways.

He added that the recovery can be made through market opening, increased investment, increased trade facilitation and integration of SME industries into the regional value chain.

“Along with the advancement of technology, many SMEs are starting to switch to digital platforms or better known as e-commerce," said Azmin.

“More so with the volatile global economic environment following the pandemic. This situation is forcing entrepreneurs, especially micro SMEs, to do their businesses online," he added.

Azmin said that such a transformation clearly proves that SMEs are able to expand business markets around the world.

He also said that due to Malaysia’s smaller market compared globally, the participation in the partnership will open more potential for SMEs to expand, even after the pandemic ends.

“I am confident and believe that our local SMEs have already taken advantage of this technological facility," said Azmin.

“I also see many people promoting their businesses using Shopee, Lazada and various other digital platforms,” the minister said, adding that Miti and its agencies will continue to facilitate the SME sector," he added

RCEP is a comprehensive partnership to further increase trade and investment between 10 Asean countries and five other global economies: Australia, China, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand.

Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/07/27/azmin-malaysias-rcep-participation-will-help-smes-expand-in-global-market