By Mustakim Ramli
SHAH ALAM, Sept 4 — Small-and-medium enterprises (SME) alongside entrepreneurs from the manufacturing, retail and services sectors consist of the largest contributors to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at over 70 per cent, said state executive councillor for entrepreneur development Rodziah Ismail.
She said due to these factors, the state government places firm emphasis on entrepreneurship-related programmes.
"Previously, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari stated that Selangor contributes approximately 24.8 per cent to the national GDP, of which 78.2 per cent is derived from the services industry, small and micro-entrepreneurs, among others.
[caption id="attachment_282428" align="alignright" width="509"]
State executive councillor for entrepreneur development Rodziah Ismail delivering her speech during the officiation ceremony of the 2022 Selangor Entrepreneur Expo (SELBIZ) at the Shah Alam Convention Center (SACC), on September 3, 2022. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
"The existing network and ecosystem have made it possible for these contributions to the GDP to occur," Rodziah said during the officiation of the 2022 Selangor Entrepreneur Expo (SELBIZ) at the Shah Alam Convention Center (SACC) yesterday.
She added the state government has taken various steps to ensure SMEs, including micro and informal entrepreneurs, will be able to develop and expand their businesses.
"These include providing a platform for entrepreneurs to participate in exhibition programmes like the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS), the Selangor International Halal Conference (Selhac), and SELBIZ as organised by the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS)," Rodziah said.
This year's SELBIZ sees the participation of some 151 exhibitors featuring food industry traders, as well as retail and services sector.
Running from 10am to 10pm, the expo will also feature several experts and professionals who will make presentations to share their knowledge on marketing, accounts and cash flow.
