Kuala lumpur: Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship this year is paving the way for local entrepreneurs to tap into the regional market, focusing on promoting the uniqueness of local products, especially handicrafts from Sabah. Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick emphasized the significance of this opportunity during a recent gathering with Tabung Ekonomi Kumpulan Usaha Niaga (TEKUN) Nasional entrepreneurs.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the SME Venture@ASEAN 2025 programme, held recently, is a crucial platform for Sabah's small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to present their products. The initiative includes the launch of the Sabah Pavilion, designed to showcase products from Sabah, and incorporates local handicrafts as part of the souvenirs for various ASEAN meetings.

Minister Ewon highlighted the ministry's commitment to creating participation opportunities for entrepreneurs, whether through souvenirs for meetings or participation in ASEAN-level expos. These efforts aim to provide a broader platform for local products to gain recognition within the ASEAN region.

Furthermore, Ewon outlined four key components implemented throughout this year's ASEAN Chairmanship programmes. These include the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) meeting in Langkawi, Kedah, and the ASEAN Inclusive Business Forum in Kuala Lumpur. Additionally, the Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Bhd (SME Bank) launched the ASEAN-level Centre of Excellence for Green Transitions for Malaysian Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (MSME) and organized the ASEAN Cooperative Dialogue.