JOHOR BAHARU, March 27 (Bernama) -- International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the New Economic Model (NEM) will focus on Small and Medium Enterprises (SME). "The New Economic Model Model is aimed at raising the people's income to make Malaysia a developed country," he said after opening the SME Bank Entrepreneur Expo here on Saturday.

He added the government aimed to double the per capita income of Malaysians from the RM23,135 annually.

As such, entrepreneurs should increase productivity, adopt technology and upgrade skills.

The government would continue to help SMEs particularly those that involve partnership between Bumiputeras and non-Bumiputeras.

Mustapa added the success of NEM was dependent on how SMEs fared.

NEM first phase will be announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Tuesday while the second phase during tabling of the Tenth Malaysia Plan (10MP).

-- BERNAMA