Jakarta, 7 November 2021 -- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been greatly helped by the aggressiveness of banking which provides assistance in opening new markets. One of them is what BNI has done, which has invited several SMEs to display their superior products at the Al Jaber Gallery at the Mall of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, one of the largest malls in the Arabian peninsula.
Positive reactions were expressed by SMEs who were invited to Dubai, such as Keewa Shoes Founder, Dani Ika Suryandari and Borneo Queen Founder, Kiki Aprilia in Dubai, last Friday.
Dani Ika Suryandari appreciates BNI's proactive steps that continue to seek growth opportunities for MSME players. She is optimistic that her business will get a very large purchase appreciation by entering the Dubai and surrounding markets.
"Actually, we didn't expect BNI's efforts to be this aggressive. We really didn't expect our products to be sold at the very exclusive Al Jaber Gallery. Anyway, it's really cool," she said.
She said Rumah Keewa has been running for 6 years. She and other craftsmen strive to create quality traditional unique products that are able to be loved by all Indonesians, including overseas people.
"We certainly believe that our business will continue to grow even more. BNI also continues to provide guidance and actively invites us to many learning programs. We are also given many tips related to exports and social media," she said.
The founder of Borneo Queen, Kiki Aprilia also really appreciates BNI's efforts to sell products from Central Kalimantan through to Dubai.
"I am very happy. BNI is very loyal to fostering us MSME players. From the beginning of our business we have always received support so that we are able to penetrate the export market as it is today. Of course we are proud," she said.
She conveyed that her business is now continuing to increase the number of craftsmen to answer the increasing demand. Kiki will continue to maintain her business with the concept of handicrafts so that the uniqueness of the product can be maintained.
"Indeed, the demand for our products has increased by 5,000 to 7,000 pairs per month. Previously it was very small. In the future it will certainly increase, and we will continue to add craftsmen. Now we have empowered all of the village craftsman," she added.
Government Commitment
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) continue to receive significant support in order to strengthen their penetration into international markets and have stable business fundamentals. One of the supports provided is the government's commitment to purchase SME products, especially for the purchase of goods or services under Rp. 14 billion.
This was stated by the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises of the Republic of Indonesia, Erick Thohir, while attending the opening of the Indonesian SME product exhibition at Al Jaber Gallery, Mall of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, yesterday.
Erick said that government support through SME product spending would also continue to be increased. Thus, SME players get a fixed market that can be used as a revenue base to grow higher.
"Anyway, under Rp 14 billion, the government spends through SMEs. That's big, you know. And remember, it must be registered through OSS," he added.
Meanwhile, Abdulla Jaber Belshalat, as the owner of Al Jaber Gallery at Mall of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, said that his party has curated 30 SME products that are partners in the BNI Xpora program. BNI Xpora is a digital solution developed by PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk or BNI and is equipped with a portal. This portal is dedicated to SMEs who want to increase their business capacity.
He was amazed to see Indonesian products have a high quality and level of complexity as well. "This is very good. The quality is very good. We will certainly encourage our customers to buy Indonesian products," he added.
He hopes that these Indonesian products will be able to maintain their quality in the future. The reason, from this point customer demand will be higher. Moreover, Al Jaber will start placing SME products in all Aljaber outlets in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
"In the future, we will also establish direct cooperation with Indonesian MSME players so that the procurement of goods is carried out more quickly," he added.
For more information, please contact:
BNI Corporate Secretary
Phone: 021-5728387
Email: bni@bni.co.id