News From : DagangHalal.com (24 May 2009)
The Malaysian Malay Businessmen and Industrialists Association (Perdasama) has been successful in developing thousands of Bumiputera entrepreneurs since it was set up as a non-government organisation (NGO) 10 years ago.
In return, the entrepreneurs’ businesses have gained from joining organisations like Perdasama which functions as a link between them and the government, said Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin.
Awang Adek said Bumiputera entrepreneurs should take the opportunity to join Perdasama, especially as the country was experiencing the effects of the global economic crisis.
The association could provide guidance and advisory services, and function as a platform for their discussions, he said.
“Perdasama is also able to enhance cooperation with the SME Bank, which provides financial assistance to entrepreneurs. This has enabled Perdasama members to expand their businesses, even to overseas,” he added.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating Perdasama’s annual general meeting here today. Also present were Perdasama president Datuk Moehamad Izat Emir and the association’s Kelantan chairman Aishah Mahmood.
Moehamed Izat Emir said that Perdasama, with about 13,000 members nationwide, encouraged its members to be involved in the halal food industry which has received good response, including from overseas.
“The demand for our products at the international level is increasing with the globally recognised halal certification, and this has helped Bumiputera entrepreneurs,” he said.
— BERNAMA