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Central, regional govts to assist SMEs for SVLK certificate
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A rattan chair designed by Abie Abdillah. (JP/Masajeng Rahmiasri)
T
he central and regional governments are joining hands to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in registering for the timber legality verification system (SVLK) certificate, in a bid to win over the large furniture market in EU countries.
As the 28-member bloc acknowledges the certificate, SVLK holders in Indonesia are able to export their products to the region. However, it will cost them Rp 48 million (US$3,600) to Rp 200 million depending on their business category.
"It's expensive [for SMEs], but I’ve just met with the Bali regional trade head and he said the regional government there is ready to give subsidies especially for SMEs," Trade Ministry Foreign Trade director general Dody Edward said in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Aside from the subsidies, he recommended the regional governments unite a number of SMEs into one cooperative or business group, to allow them to share the SVLK cost with other members. A SVLK certificate for one cooperative or group costs Rp 48 million.
"We will also assist them in producing better packaging for their products," Dody said.
In the product's packaging or display room, he further said, should be an interesting background story of the product. The more details about the product's creation the better added-value it would have in the eyes of the European customers. (ags)
