KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today called on Malaysian entrepreneurs to consolidate the respective business links in outsourcing established between large corporations and small companies.

He said this would favour both sides in a win-win situation and would tie in well with the government's endeavour to increase the number of entrepreneurs in the country.

"I want to see more than networks established in meetings such as this. Companies capable of manufacturing various products can be engaged on contract by large corporations as their outsourcing suppliers," he said when launching the "Gerak Usahawan 2007" aimed at expanding and consolidating business links between entrepreneurs and corporations, here.

Citing an example, Abdullah said various companies could produce automotive components such as lamps, gearbox and cushions for automotive manufacturers.

"There will be inter-dependence, which gives rise to business links. Whoever gets such a contract should use that opportunity well and maintain the quality of the manufactured products," he said.

Abdullah said there were opportunities galore in business in prosperous and fast-developing Malaysia but it was regrettable that these opportunities were not perceptible due to the lack of use of the intellect as well as laziness.

"Even Prophet Muhammad has asked us to take to trade, stating that of the 10 divisions of livelihood, nine are in business. Everything depends on our efforts. While we encourage the emergence of new entrepreneurs, existing entrepreneurs should take steps to expand their business," he said.

Abdullah said he was happy to note that the performance of Malaysian entrepreneurs reflected their effort to give value added to their services, which was one of the thrusts of the National Mission.

He proposed that entrepreneurs give emphasis to the legacy of their business so that their children can carry on with and expand their business.

In this context, he cited the example of Royal Selangor Pewter which he said started on a small scale and has developed into a big business. He said the current managers were highly qualified but chose to remain with and expand their elders' business rather than join the government service or any large private company.

Abdullah said the handicraft industry in Kelantan and Terengganu had the potential to come up with quality products of fine handiwork but the entrepreneurs themselves have to be creative to give value added to their products.

For example, he said, the makers of the hilt of "kris" (daggers) and ashtrays must progress to more innovative products which can give value added to the industry.

"The handicraft industry has undergone change and has better products now compared to some 20 years ago. We must have `champions' in churning out certain products. It is of importance that the efforts taken now can become the basis for a family business and products with value added," he said.

Abdullah reminded the people not to choose to be unemployed or only work for wages and look forward to allowances.

"Are we trying to dispute the words of the prophet? If we cannot do something on our own, we should go for joint ventures. If we cannot engage in joint ventures with Bumiputeras, we can do so with non-Bumiputeras, what's wrong with that?" he said.

The prime minister said the perception that they would be deceived or "swallowed up" even before making an attempt with an opportunity in business showed their lack of self-confidence.

"Even at the outset, they talk of being deceived and swallowed up. These people have no self-confidence," he said.

Also present at the event was Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. A total of 381 companies are participating in the two-day programme organised by the ministry.

At the event, Abdullah also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the ministry and Malaysia Airports Berhad (MAB) to enable Bumiputeras to promote and market their products at premises made available by the MAB.

Abdullah also presented special appreciation awards to several companies which had provided Bumiputera entrepreneurs with business opportunities that had led some of them to become millionaires, for example in multilevel marketing, the motorcycle industry, contract agriculture, the textile industry and information technology.

Source : BERNAMA