SMEs to work with indigenous trade councils

 By SHIRLEY MAULUDU

INDIGENOUS business councils will be set up across the country to address small-to-medium enterprise (SME) issues, Trade Commerce and Industry Minister Richard Maru said.

He urged the business councils to register with the Investment Promotions Authority (IPA) by December. 

Maru told a media briefing last Sunday he wanted the business councils to work closely with the Government to address SME issues and promote local business activities.  

He said the Government would provide funding for the councils to set up offices in all provinces next year.

“This should be done so that all the provincial offices would raise their concerns to the Government through their national office,” Maru said. 

“The work of indigenous business council is to partner with the Government to ensure that the two plans – SME policy and master plan – are carried out.”