South Sumatra MSMEs Encouraged to Become More Competitive, Here's the Provincial Government's Strategy

The South Sumatra Provincial Government is continuing to encourage micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across its 17 regencies and cities to enhance their competitiveness to survive and grow amid increasingly tight business competition.

Deputy Governor of South Sumatra Cik Ujang stated in Palembang on Wednesday that improving business competitiveness is necessary for MSMEs to endure and develop. He explained that the provincial government is running several coaching programmes for MSMEs, aimed at strengthening their ability to manage and expand their businesses.

The programmes provided include training in business management, financial management, business development, and product packaging quality improvement. The provincial government is also urging MSMEs to be more active in promotion, not only through direct sales but also by utilising social media and digital channels to reach a wider market.

In addition to strengthening business capacity, the provincial government is working to expand access to financing by encouraging financial institutions to partner with MSMEs that need additional capital to increase production capacity or develop their enterprises. Access to capital is considered a crucial factor, especially when business owners want to boost production volumes, purchase equipment, broaden their marketing reach, or develop new products.

However, the Deputy Governor emphasised that improving MSME competitiveness does not rely solely on additional capital. Business owners must also improve their financial management skills and thoroughly understand their business conditions. Proper recording of income and expenses and the separation of personal and business finances are essential for accurately measuring business growth.