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)