Supporting MSMEs to Go Global, Bank Jatim Hosts Trade Connect Summit 2024
Date: 14 october 2024Categories :
SURABAYA, October 14, 2024 – In an effort to help East Java's MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) level up and expand into international markets, PT Bank Pembangunan Daerah Jawa Timur Tbk (Bank Jatim) officially held the Trade Connect Summit 2024 on October 14–15, 2024. The event took place at Balai Pemuda Surabaya and was attended by the Acting Governor of East Java Adhy Karyono, Bank Jatim’s Director of Finance, Treasury & Global Services Edi Masrianto, and the Secretary of the Directorate General of National Export Development at the Indonesian Ministry of Trade, Muhammad Suaib Sulaiman. Also present were Bank Jatim's Director of IT & Digital, Zulhelfi Abidin, and Director of Risk Management, Eko Susetyono.
Edi Masrianto explained that Trade Connect Summit 2024, initiated by Bank Jatim in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia and the Export Center Surabaya, is one of the company’s efforts to develop MSMEs and boost the national economy. “This event features 41 booths from export-oriented MSMEs supported by Bank Jatim. Additionally, there are booths from institutions related to export activities such as the East Java Industry and Trade Office, the Animal, Fish and Plant Quarantine Center, the East Java Forestry Office, and other regional government agencies,” he stated.
Edi expressed hope that the event would foster new exporters from the MSME sector. Trade Connect Summit 2024 provides comprehensive education about exports and an effective marketing platform. “This summit is part of our commitment to enhance the knowledge and readiness of MSMEs to enter export markets. The goal is to help them optimize local products and compete globally,” he said.
The event includes a variety of engaging activities such as exhibitions, business matching, and business talk shows. Various relevant topics are discussed in the business matching sessions, featuring expert speakers on subjects like Dubai market reviews, government and banking synergy in supporting exports, the role of logistics in export activities, and more. “At Trade Connect Summit 2024, we not only provide exhibitions and talk shows, but we also bring in trade attachés or ITPC (Indonesia Trade Promotion Center) and potential buyers from several countries. This allows participating MSMEs to reach a broader consumer base and expand their business,” he added.
During the event, Bank Jatim also signed a cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Trade through the Directorate General of National Export Development (PEN) for the development and guidance of export-oriented MSMEs. “We believe that synergy between the government and Bank Jatim will strengthen Indonesia's export ecosystem. With wider global market access, MSMEs supported by Bank Jatim can grow sustainably and contribute more to the national economy. Bank Jatim will provide financing access and facilitate MSMEs in entering global markets through various support programs,” Edi elaborated.
Acting Governor Adhy Karyono expressed strong optimism that Bank Jatim can help East Java’s MSMEs level up to the international stage through the Trade Connect Summit 2024. “On behalf of the East Java Provincial Government, we appreciate Bank Jatim for being a key driver in advancing MSMEs. This event acts as a trade center, connecting MSMEs with the global market and providing a meeting point between entrepreneurs and foreign buyers for direct transactions during business matching sessions,” he said.
According to Adhy, the role of banks, especially regional development banks, is crucial in training MSME actors. East Java has significant MSME potential and natural resources that support exports. “MSMEs need capacity building to learn and access international trade. This event also reflects Bank Jatim’s commitment as a regional-owned enterprise (BUMD) to continuously contribute directly to the community, especially MSMEs,” he explained.
Adhy is confident that Bank Jatim can play an active role in guiding MSMEs. “This is important because MSMEs’ contribution to East Java’s GDP has consistently increased. In 2022, there was a 0.55% growth compared to 2021, and in 2023–2024, the target contribution is expected to reach 58.5%–58.8%,” he said.
As for East Java’s main export destinations, Adhy mentioned countries such as Saudi Arabia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Italy, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Malaysia. “We are actually overwhelmed with booth requests from abroad. Many Indonesian trade centers have requested East Java's participation, and thankfully, many entrepreneurs are interested, so we’re facilitating the necessary permits,” he added.
Adhy also noted that one of the main challenges faced by businesses in exporting is access to financing. Therefore, banks must be more innovative in offering products that make it easier for businesses, especially MSMEs. “We hope the synergy between the government and the banking sector continues to position exports as a pillar of economic growth. Let’s maximize export potential through collaboration between the government and banks. This is essential for strengthening Indonesia's position in the global market,” he concluded.
In the same event, Muhammad Suaib Sulaiman emphasized that this summit is part of national export development efforts. “East Java presents great potential for boosting exports. Through the agreement signed today, we’re combining two key efforts. First, improving business actors’ capacity in the field of export. Second, promoting their businesses to expand export markets,” he said.
The Ministry of Trade and Bank Jatim will synergize and leverage their resources to guide export-oriented MSMEs. This cooperation will involve a range of initiatives, including dissemination of export information, strengthening of data, product competitiveness enhancement, market access improvement, business infrastructure provision, utilization of trade representatives abroad, and trade promotion facilitation.
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