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BCA encourages MSMEs to go global through UMKM Fest
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A virtual business-matching session is hosted by BCA as part of UMKM Fest 2021, with BCA acting as moderator between MSMEs and buyers. As of April 28, 35 MSMEs have attended 49 business-matching sessions, and 19 of them have found potential buyers and are moving ahead with the delivery of product samples. (Courtesy of BCA)
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n its role as a people-centric financial institution, PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA) is committed to providing access to export markets, and one way to do so is the virtual business-matching session as part of its UMKM Fest held from April 16 to May 8.
The session is carried out in collaboration between BCA and the Embassy of Indonesia, the Indonesian Consulate General, International Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) and Bank Koresponden to bring together more than 100 prospective buyers from 30 countries across five continents.
“BCA paves the way for MSMEs to rise amid the pandemic, not only in our own country but also globally. These activities can encourage other MSMEs to rise and embark on new innovation,” says BCA EVP Commercial & SME Business Freddy Iman.
BCA Director Jahja Setiaatmadja explained that MSMEs are the backbone of the national economy during its recovery, and that BCA continuously encourages and promotes MSMEs through its Bangga Lokal (Local Pride) program, which is in line with the government’s program Bangga Buatan Indonesia (Proudly Made in Indonesia).
“We help curate MSME products, prepare their digital onboarding process, and support their business development through BCA’s banking solutions. We hope that BCA UMKM Fest 2021 can have a positive impact on us all, as we believe noble intentions will yield good results,” he said.
The business-matching event started with a curation process to ensure that MSMEs are ready to export their product. From there, prospective buyers can select the relevant group of products, ranging from food & beverages to marine products, furniture, fashion, art, machinery and raw materials. After that, both parties can meet in a mutually agreed schedule.
During the sessions, the BCA team acts as moderator and translator alongside attending the presentation process. BCA also provides free shipment for MSMEs that have a commitment with prospective buyers to send samples overseas.
As of April 28, 35 MSMEs have attended 49 business-matching sessions with 86 prospective buyers, during which 19 MSMEs have found matches and have moved to sending products samples to several countries, including the United States, the Netherlands, Brazil, France, Finland, and Malaysia.
Examples include Amura Griya, which will send samples of its Crispy Mushroom product to France, Artha Jaya Marindo shipping smoked fish to the Netherlands, and Rendang Katuju sending its rendang to Brazil. ITPC Sao Paulo is also committed to providing billboards in strategic locations for Rendang Katuju’s communications in Brazil’s capital.
BCA is also providing support through banking solutions for successful MSMEs and will also accompany those that have not yet found a buyer, including through the Bangga Lokal program.
The business matching as part of the UMKM Fest activities is one of BCA’s innovations in encouraging purchases of Indonesian products, developing MSMEs and opening export channels. It is part of BCA’s commitment to support the government’s agenda to create 500,000 new exporters.
According to data from the Finance Ministry, Indonesia’s exports in March 2021 reached $18.35 billion, an increase of 30.47 percent year on year. The rise of exports reflects a recovery in the Indonesian and global economy.
Finance Minister Sri Mulyani expressed her hope that MSMEs can share their experience and business development at BCA UMKM Fest.
“[They can also] get to know each other and see how improving product quality, access to new markets, and creativity can tackle the effects of COVID-19,” she said.
BCA UMKM Fest runs from April 16 to May 8 at umkmfest.bca.co.id. Visitors can explore more than 18,000 products from 1,700 merchants, while also enjoying discounts, auctions, and delivery fee subsidies.
