KOTA BAHARU, (Bernama) -- Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have been urged to export their products to international markets including ASEAN countries.

Making the call, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said his ministry was organising programmes to enable SMEs to export their products.

"These programmes include GenEX 2016 (Generation of New Exporters) which aims to encourage young SME entrepreneurs to export their products," Mustapa told reporters after launching Malaysia-Thailand Trade Mission and trainning programme here today.

He pointed international markets, especially China, offer huge potential for local SMEs who are mainly involved in the food and beverage, apparel and services industries.

At the same time said Mustapa said new innovative ways should be found to ensure local SME products can meet the high oversea demand.

He also said the ministry would actively bring local SMEs overseas to explore business opportunities, especially in ASEAN countries.

"The SME sector currently contributes 17 per cent to the country's total export with the percentage to rise to 20 per cent by 2020," he added.