SEPANG, Feb 8 (Bernama) -- The International Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) is looking into greater collaboration with government-linked companies (GLCs) to assist Bumiputera small-and-medium entrepreneurs. Deputy Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said cooperation between MITI and GLCs were at an early stage and the government was continuously initiating many platforms to help Bumiputera entrepreneurs.

"Participation by GLCs is at a low stage but the potential is big as there are many incentives available for Bumiputera entrepreneurs," he said.

Meanwhile, he said cooperation from the private sectors were slow as decisions are made on commercial aspects.

"We are in talks with several GLCs now. We are also expecting cooperation from private companies to assist the entrepreneurs in promoting their products and services in future," he told reporters after opening the Jonker Walk Kopitiam and Sky Travel Mart at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) here Monday.

Mukhriz said there were retail business areas in certain airports in the country which were not under the administration of Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd (MAHB).

"In those areas, MITI will make an effort to talk to the owners to give opportunities to Bumiputera SMEs to conduct their business," he added.

The deputy minister also urged other GLCs and private sectors to come forward and offer similar opportunities to Bumiputera SMEs.

"Other GLCs should take MAHB's initiative by providing premises or business space in KLIA for Bumiputera SMEs," he explained.

To-date, Bumiputera participation in retail business at KLIA was only about 66 per cent.

Mukhriz said with KLIA being a captured market, as many foreigners and locals shopped here, it would be a testing platform for MITI to find out the trend and the choice of products preferred.

"With the opening of Jonker Walk Kopitiam and Sky Travel Mart at KLIA, it will be a continuous effort by MITI and MAHB to encourage more Bumiputera SME participation," he added.

-- BERNAMA