Small enterprises told to enter foreign markets

Small enterprises told to enter foreign markets

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto told small companies
yesterday that they needed to improve their competitiveness to
boost sales at home and to enter foreign markets.

Soeharto said that small companies would have a stronger
position if they cooperated with big companies, both in marketing
and production activities.

"In creating a strategy for success in the marketplace, it is
important for small companies to work closely with big companies
which have a wide distribution network and good reputation in the
international market," Soeharto said in a written speech, which
was read by Vice President Try Sutrisno.

Try was officiating the presentation of Upakarti awards at the
State Palace.

The awards were given to 64 individuals, institutions and
companies for their outstanding achievements in developing small
companies and local industries.

Regents and mayors, who had demonstrated a strong commitment
to developing small enterprises and small industries, were also
recognized.

"A business partnership which is based on interdependency and
mutual benefit is vital to boosting our productivity and
competitiveness," Soeharto said about the need for small and
large companies to work together.

The ceremony was also attended by Minister of Industry and
Trade Tunky Ariwibowo and Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief, and
Tuti Try Sutrisno.

One award recipient, Dominggus de Jesus from Lautem regency in
East Timor, was applauded for his tireless efforts to promote
traditional tais woven cloth.

Other recipients were PT Indomobil Suzuki Int'l and the well-
known bag producer PT Indo Elizabeth Perai from Bandung, West
Java, for pioneering partnerships with small industries.

"We are pleased because this partnership program has enabled
steady progress and been able to provide more job opportunities
and regional economic growth," Soeharto said. (prb)