Industry Ministry To Focus On Developing E-smart Program For IKM

Manado, N Sulawesi, May 4 (Antara) - The Indonesian Ministry of Industry will prioritize the development of an e-smart program for Small and Medium Industries (IKM) in districts and cities across the country, the Ministry`s Director General for IKM Gati Wibawaningsih stated.

"The e-smart program for IKM in Indonesia is the need of the hour, and if it is not developed now, we will become mere spectators in the current age of stiff competition," Wibawaningsih noted during a national coordination meeting of IKM here on Thursday.

According to Wibawaningsih, this program will utilize a digital platform through cooperation with startup companies in Indonesia.

"The e-smart program for IKM needs to be developed, so that we can showcase our own products and not merely remain resellers for products of other countries," she explained.

Further, Wibawaningsih added that the e-smart program for IKM aims to develop a digital-based economy, increase the exports of small and medium enterprises, as well as to expand market access and increase access to finance.

The Ministry of Industry will also facilitate IKM players to establish cooperation with e-commerce companies in the country, such as Tokopedia, Bukalapak, Lazada, and Blibli.

"Hence, their page will function as a virtual area for showcasing the nation`s IKM products," she added.

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(T.SYS/A/KR-BSR/F001) 04-05-2017 14:21:44