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Women Entrepreneurs Lack Info On Gov't Loan Packages - Mukhriz

KOTA BAHARU, April 21 (Bernama) -- Lack of awareness on loan packages offered by the government is among the main factors hindering women entrepreneurs from expanding their businesses, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said today.

He said there were still women Bumiputera entrepreneurs who did not know that they can obtain various types of aid, be they incentives, financial assistance or advisory services from 60 agencies under 18 ministries.

"As such, we will widen the information channels to entrepreneurs, especially businesswomen, to ensure they know what are the loan packages provided by the government through the Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEC) and Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd (MIDF).

Mukhriz said the ministry would study simpler methods of channeling loans to entrepreneurs in need of financial aid, make adjustments to loan packages that are not popular among entrepreneurs besides improving delivery system.

"We will step up promotions on loan packages made available by agencies under the ministry particularly to entrepreneurs who are feeling the pinch of the global economic crisis," he told reporters after opening a workshop for women entrepreneurs.

Mukhriz urged entrepreneurs to be proactive to look for business opportunities during the current global economic crisis affecting the country.

"They should strive to turn economic challenges to opportunities," he said. "For instance, halal food for export needs to be given attention as even during the economic downturn the food industry will not be affected. "Whether they like it or not, people have to eat," he added. -- BERNAMA

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