PRODUCERS OF LOCAL PRODUCTS MUST BE INNOVATIVE, CREATIVE - DPM

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) -- Local producers need to be innovative and creative in tandem with technological developments to ensure that their products will have a place in the international market, said Muhyiddin Yassin.

The deputy prime minister said they should make good use of the various incentives offered by the government to improve brand quality, packaging, and advertising and promotions to be at par with international standards.

"Besides that, they must ensure their products are preferred choices of buyers in and outside the country," he said in his speech at the opening of the Buy Malaysian Products Expo at the Putra World Trade Centre, here, Friday.

The text of his speech was read out by Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

"We also need to ensure that our country's competitiveness remain strong by focusing on value-added activities and production, besides creating a conducive environment for innovations and creativity," he said.

Muhyiddin said consumers' role was also important in increasing domestic demand through their daily spending.

"They need to play an active role and give strong support to the 'Buy Malaysian Products' campaign to help spur the country's economic growth."

He said Malaysians should also be proud of the quality of local products which were on par or even better than foreign products.

"In fact, they should always have a positive perception of local brands, some of which have created a strong name at the international level.

"They need to emulate the patriotic spirit of the Japanese and Koreans who are always loyal to and proud of their own products," he said.

Muhyiddin also said that under the Economic Transformation Programme launched in October last year, domestic demand was expected to become stronger with the expansion of retailing and wholesaling activities.

He said 13 entry point projects had been identified aimed at increasing Gross National Income by RM108 billion and creating 370,000 jobs.

"At the same time, the people also need to improve their skills and
knowledge to support the goal of making Malaysia a developed nation by 2020," he added.