MITI to ensure immediate implementation of Budget 2016 programmes

The International Trade and Industry (MITI) and its agencies must ensure that the implementation of development programmes and new incentives to be announced in Budget 2016 are undertaken immediately.

Its Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the government should always be sensitive and must play a key role as a business partner to the business community to ensure trade sector contribution could further stimulate the nation's economy.

"Service delivery efficiency must also be improved to make sure the needs of the target group are fulfilled," he said in his speech at the MITI@SME Corp monthly gathering here, today.

At the same time, Mustapa said MITI and its agencies must formulate plans for a more effective utilisation of resources particularly amid the country's challenging financial position.

"The formulation of the budget this time is very important as it will shape the implementation of the country's development plans as outlined under the 11th Malaysia Plan," he said.

At the same event, Mustapa also launched the self assessment system for SME Competitiveness Rating for Enhancement (e-SCORE) that enables the small and medium enterprises to get their SCORE results immediately and in a transparent manner.

He said the system was developed in web-based form, whereby the length of time for the SCORE assessment process could be shortened, besides improving productivity and giving more effective use of manpower.

"To date, SME Corporation Malaysia has successfully developed seven types of SCORE models to meet the various sectors for each company," he said.