WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS LACK INFO ON GOVT LOAN PACKAGES

KOTA BAHARU (Malaysia), 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 Mukhriz Mahathir said Tuesday.

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 channelling 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