The Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector is expected to assume a critical supportive role in Malaysia's industrialisation efforts, there is potential for SMEs from Japan's Chugoku region to increase their participation in Malaysia, said International Trade and Industry minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz.
"As the Chugoku region has a high concentration of SMEs, there is potential for business partnerships," she said in addressing the "Business Opportunities In Malaysia" seminar organised by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.
The Chugoku region features numerous new companies actively engaged in growth fields, and also a large concentration of SMEs.
The minister said partnerships with Malaysian companies could be in the form of joint ventures, technology licensing and product development, and distribution and market development in the region, procurement and contract manufacturing.
