KOTA KINABALU, Nov 2 (Bernama) -- The International Trade and Industry Ministry hopes the Bumiputera Entrepreneur Development Programme will be extended to cover small-and-medium enterprises in the outskirts.

Deputy Minister Datuk Jacob Dungau Sagan said SMEs accounted for 19 per cent to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) output as such the programmes must reach this target group irrespective of their location.

"We want more SMEs operating in the outskirts to be given a chance to be informed of the many opportunities and benefits provided under the programme by the ministry and related agencies," he told reporters after closing a Bumiputera Entrepreneur Development Programme here today.

Dungau said SMEs should also be given the opportunity to improve on their products and respective services in order for them to contribute more towards Malaysia's GDP growth.

Besides, he said SMEs can assume a more significant role in developing their surrounding areas with the knowledge acquired in their respective fields.

-- BERNAMA