WikiExport.JP initiative encourages capacity building for MSMEs to upgrade and penetrate the Japanese export market

The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) continues to encourage the capacity building of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) so that they can upgrade to penetrate the global market. This is realised by Kadin Indonesia through the WikiExport Japan (WikiExport.JP) programme which will hold a business matching in Tokyo, 8-11 August 2023. The business matching event is a collaboration between Kadin Indonesia and the Japanese Trade Organization (Jetro), and PT HM Sampoerna Tbk.'s MSME empowerment programme, Sampoerna Entrepreneurship Training Center (SETC). This business matching activity provides opportunities for selected MSMEs that have undergone capacity-building programmes to meet directly with potential buyers and distributors in Japan.

WikiExport.JP is an initiative developed by Kadin Indonesia since October 2022 in conjunction with the Inclusive Partnership Movement. Collaborating with Jetro and Sampoerna, this initiative is an effort to foster and increase the capacity of Indonesian MSMEs to open global market access.

"As we know, apart from capital and capable talents, the challenge for the development of MSMEs is limited market access, especially for exports. WikiExport Japan is a concrete follow-up to the B20 legacy programme that aims to bridge Indonesian MSMEs with Japanese businesses and buyers who need supplies of Indonesian products. We see a huge opportunity for Indonesian products in the Japanese market," said Aldi Haryopratomo, Vice Chairman of Entrepreneurship at Kadin Indonesia.

Currently, there are more than 200 MSMEs that have received export education and training through the WikiExport.JP platform. The number is then curated into 9 F&B, commodity, and fashion MSMEs that are ready to meet with buyers and distributors in Japan, with the hope of transactions and cooperation contract agreements. The MSMEs are Pipiltin Cocoa, Alko Sumatra Coffee, Sukkha Citta, Shiroshima, House of Tea, Balista Coffee Liqueur, Sambal Pecah, Jamune, and Ohana Mie.

"Through this business matching activity, we hope that there will be an actual cooperation contract agreement between Indonesian MSMEs and buyers in Japan. In addition, Indonesian MSMEs can also directly learn and understand the needs of Japanese buyers and distributors," said Aldi.

Nita Kartikasari, Chairperson of Kadin Indonesia's MSME Export Standing Committee, said that in an effort to encourage Indonesian MSMEs to become suppliers for Japanese companies, Kadin Indonesia together with Jetro, Sampoerna Untuk Indonesia, and SETC are targeting MSME export transactions to Japan of USD 1 million.

"Business matching in Tokyo Japan can be a good first step to strengthen Indonesia-Japan exports. This collaboration will also continue to be complemented by qualified capacity and quality that suits the Japanese market, as well as sustainable programmes through the WikiExport.JP platform," said Nita.

At the business matching, the selected MSMEs were asked to present their business and bring examples of superior products offered. After that, they are given the opportunity to discuss with prospective buyers to discuss in detail the further transaction process. After the business matching, the MSMEs will be given training and workshops to gain more in-depth knowledge about exporting.

The curation process involves selection and assessment stages to ensure that the selected MSMEs have the best potential and product quality in accordance with Jetro's product priorities and the Japanese market.

"The main considerations are that the selected MSME products are in accordance with the needs of the Japanese market, qualified production capacity, competitive quality, complete legality, and established digital marketing channels so that product information is easily found online," said Ko Ozaki, Senior Director of Jetro.

This initiative is a realisation of KADIN's Inclusive Closed Loop Pledge B20 programme launched in November 2022, which is also supported by PT HM Sampoerna Tbk (Sampoerna). Sampoerna has always put forward its commitment in empowering MSMEs, one of which is carried out through the Sampoerna Entrepreneurship Training Center (SETC) programme under the umbrella of the "Sampoerna Untuk Indonesia" Sustainability Programme, which has provided entrepreneurship training to more than 67,000 participants from all over Indonesia. Two of the nine MSMEs participating in WikiExport.JP on this occasion were mentored by SETC.

"Sampoerna is committed to continuing to create value for the Indonesian economy, one of which is by facilitating the improvement of MSME competitiveness through digital transformation and expanding their market access in order to compete and become part of the global supply chain. It is an honour for us that SETC-assisted MSMEs can be part of the first group to participate in the WikiExport programme to Japan. Hopefully this collaboration can continue and become part of strengthening economic collaboration between Indonesia and Japan," said Sampoerna's Head of External Affairs, Ishak Danuningrat.