Dr Wee said a memorandum between the Secretariat for the Advancement of Malaysian Entre­preneurs (SAME), a unit under the Prime Minister’s Department; Halal Industry Development Corporation; and the Bank of China (BOC) was intended to encourage small-and- medium enterprises (SMEs) to enter the China market.

“We are here to help Malaysian SMEs tap into this market that has such a huge growth potential valued at US$1.5 trillion (RM5.8 trillion) to US$2 trillion (RM7.75 trillion),” he told a press conference yesterday.

Dr Wee said for Chinese halal industry players, the collaboration would enable them to link up with other halal players in the Asean Economic Community and beyond using Malaysia’s strong presence in the global halal industry.

He said the presence of BOC in the collaboration would make it easier for local SMEs to obtain financing and to make use of the bank’s extensive network and reach in the mainland.

“In the past, if you want to go into China, you need to think twice on where to get the money but now, we have a financial institution.

“Bear in mind that BOC has 10,000 branches in China, so the business networking is already there,” he said, adding that this would ease local SMEs’ entrance into the China market.

Dr Wee added that under SAME’s Halal Global programme next month, representatives from 50 local companies would be taken on a 10-day trip to Xian, Inner Mongolia and QingHai for “match-making” sessions with Chinese halal industry players who wanted to tap into these local companies’ expertise and certification in the halal trade.

The memorandum was signed on March 30.

On the upcoming Sarawak state election, Dr Wee said he was confident that Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem would get a big mandate from the people.

“He is efficient, brave in implementing changes and is loved by the people,” he said, adding that Adenan was also popular among Sarawa­kians.

He said Adenan’s efforts towards a better Sarawak would not go unnoticed by Sarawakians.

“If a leader has done the best for his country or state, I am sure the people will feel compelled to give him their support. If someone is doing a good job, why would you cast your vote for another party?” he asked, adding that he was confident that Adenan would not take Sarawakians’ support for granted.

“I’m sure he will continue to bring more progress for Sarawakians,” he said.

On the recent announcement that the 714 top SPM students would be given bursaries, Dr Wee said he was grateful that the Public Service Department had implemented the Cabinet’s decision with immediate effect.

“The news is welcomed by parents of the deserving students,” he said.