The Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs (KemenKopUKM) cooperates with the Swiss Import Promotion Program (SIPPO) in an effort to develop SME exports to Switzerland and other European countries in line with the kick off of Indonesia-Switzerland cooperation. On the occasion of the series of events, the Deputy for SMEs of the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs held a meeting entitled "SME export development: Strategies to penetrate the Swiss and European markets for Natural Ingredients Products" which took place in Bandung, West Java and was held on a hybrid basis a few days ago. "This meeting aims to increase the competitiveness of Indonesian SMEs, in the global market, especially in Switzerland and other European regions, as well as assist SMEs in meeting world market demand for natural ingredients products which are currently Indonesia's leading sector, as well as preparation for SMEs to meet buyers. which will be implemented in 2023," said the Deputy for SMEs at the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs, Hanung Harimba Rachman.
This meeting was attended by more than 30 assisted SMEs in the natural ingredients sector who were physically present consisting of companies in the coconut, chocolate, cinnamon, pepper, and nutmeg derivative categories. Present at this meeting both online and offline, the Indonesian Ambassador to Switzerland Muliaman Hadad, Indonesian Trade Attache in Geneva Danang, Head of SECO Philipp Orga, SIPPO Head of Operation Monika Geissberger, Deputy Chair of Swiss Bilateral Committee Debora, Head of Small Business Office of Cooperatives and SMEs of West Java Province Tatang Suryana. Meanwhile, Assistant Deputy for Partnerships and Market Expansion, Deputy for SMEs for the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs, Fixy, said that the development of market intelligence is an important component in efforts to increase the competitiveness of SMEs today, especially to enter the global market. After this activity takes place, it will be followed by a form of capacity building from the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs which will then assist SMEs to enter the European market, and a series that will be supported by a business match making that brings together Indonesian SMEs with Swiss and European buyers. "With the development of market intelligence in expanding market access for Indonesian SME products, it can be used as a tool in strengthening the capabilities of Indonesian SMEs so that there is an increase in knowledge related to market requirements, market trends, and regulations to enter the Swiss and European markets in general," said Fixy. SIPPO Head of Operations Monika Geissberger said SIPPO works in 11 countries and covers 6 categories of trade sectors, she also stated that Indonesia is an important partner in bilateral trade relations, especially with Switzerland. SIPPO empowers BSOs in this case the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs by providing capacity building for technical services so that BSOs can provide qualified market access services. This shared commitment enables SMEs to access the European market in general, and Switzerland in particular. "Expanding market access is one of the challenges, and the support from BSO is one of the collaborative initiatives carried out jointly between Indonesia and SIPPO," said Monika. SIPPO is an independent international organization with a mandate from the Swiss Coordinating Ministry for the Economy (SECO) within the framework of economic development cooperation. The purpose of the SIPPO program is to strengthen and facilitate the integration of developing countries into world trade.
