Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) has been one of the major engines of growth of Malaysia's economy. In my view, a strong and healthy SME sector contributes towards the attainment of various economic development goals.

The Government continues to place significant emphasis in the development of a thriving SME community. This year, several key initiatives and programs have been introduced; these include the establishment of the SME Central Coordinating Agency and the launch of the National Microfinance logo.

The Small Medium Industry Development Corporation (SMIDEC) will be transformed to become the SME Central Coordinating Agency, a single dedicated Government agency to spearhead the development of SME across all sectors of the economy. In my view, the establishment of this Agency reflects the Government's strong commitment in promoting the development of entrepreneurship and SMEs in Malaysia. This is a key initiative aimed at accelerating the development of the SME sector by providing greater focus in formulating strategies and implementation of programmes for SMEs.

The launch of the National Microfinance logo aims at increasing public awareness on the availability of microfinance. In this respect, branches of financial institutions that provide microfinance will display the national microfinance logo. Similarly, borrowers are encouraged to display the logo at their business premises to symbolise their success in obtaining microfinance. I firmly believe that through microfinance, viable businesses can have easy, fast and convenient access to financing for their businesses. By bringing these micro enterprises into the economic mainstream, microfinance acts as an important mechanism to achieve balanced economic development.

I would like to urge all Malaysian SMEs to fully utilize the initiatives available to enhance their capacities in order to remain competitive. I am confident that with the various initiatives currently being implemented, the SME sector will emerge a pillar of long term economic growth for the benefit of the nation. The publication of the SMI/SME Business Directory facilitates the dissemination of useful information that is precise and timely for good business decision-making. I believe that in this aspect, the SMI/SME Business Directory plays an important role in the development of SMEs in Malaysia. I would like to congratulate the SMI Association of Malaysia and Tourism Publications Corporation Sdn Bhd for their continuous effort in producing this useful guidebook year after year.