KUALA LUMPUR: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) must proactively gear themselves up to take the leap forward, further and beyond, into the international market arena, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

This, he said, can be done by seizing the various opportunities available offered by the government, as well as the private sector.

In his keynote address at the Enterprise 50 (E50) Award here tonight, Zahid said SMEs development in the country is well-structured and coordinated due to the government’s high commitment in providing a conducive ecosystem to promote SME growth sustainability.

“Sound institutional framework, clear policy plan, and efficient delivery and facilitation of comprehensive and integrated programmes for SMEs have been geared in motion to develop SMEs into dynamic global players.

“The development of SMEs is a top priority under the 11th Malaysia Plan as Malaysia moves towards becoming a high income economy.

“Efforts are being intensified to expedite the implementation of the six High Impact Programmes (HIPs) and 26 other initiatives under the SME Masterplan, which are critical in meeting the set goals and targets,” he said here tonight.

Also present at the dinner were International Trade and Industry Minister II Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan, Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan, SME Corp Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Dr Mohamed Al Amin Abdul Majid, Deloitte Malaysia executive director Datuk Mohd Nizar Mohd Najib and SME Corp Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Dr Hafsah Hashim.

Zahid stated that despite the prevailing challenges from the slower global economic growth and the economic reforms in the country's domestic economy, the government is confident that the SMEs will continue to be resilient and agile, rising to and above the challenges, and continue to achieve sustainable growth in the years to come.

He said the continuous proactive measures by the government to cushion the impact of the economic slowdown, together with the country’s steady domestic demand and stable employment market, are expected to help alleviate the downward pressures on SME growth.