International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz said more than RM6.6 billion (US$1.7bn) worth of financial assistance is available to small- and medium-sized industries (SMIs) under Budget 2005.
However, not all small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are automatically entitled to the financial assistance, she added.
Under Budget 2005, the allocation for the SMI Fund was increased to RM4.5 billion from RM1.5 billion, while the New Entrepreneurs Fund was increased to RM2 billion from RM550 million, she said.
A new fund, with a total allocation of RM50 million, was also created to enhance the marketing skills of Malaysian SMIs, Rafidah said.
For financial assistance to SMEs for product design, packaging and labelling, RM100 million has been allocated to cover expenses related to the appointment of experts to enhance the capabilities of the SMEs in the relevant activities.
