Moslem entrepreneurs launch institute

Moslem entrepreneurs launch institute

CIANJUR, West Java: The Southeast Asian Moslem Entrepreneurs
Cooperation Institute (SEAMECO) was launched here over the
weekend by several Moslem businessmen from countries in the
region, Antara reported yesterday.

Executive director of SEAMECO, Mahd. Hatta bin H Zainal Abidin
of Brunei Darussalam, said the institute was created to help
prepare Moslem entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia to deal with the
challenges in the liberalized trade era.

He said that despite their huge potential, Southeast Asian
Moslem entrepreneurs play a minor role in the region's economic
activities because of limited capital and human resources.

"The institute will foster cooperation among members,
particularly in export-import activities, including marketing and
investment," he said.

Abidin said SEAMECO members have agreed that for any joint
project, 50 percent of its earnings will go toward programs that
aim to improve the welfare of Moslem communities.

SEAMECO's executive board members include Sudrajat DP, Muhrim
Hakim and Arif Nastim of Indonesia, Mahd. Ramli bin H Mohammad of
Malaysia and Karim L. Panumpang of the Philippines.