KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Retailer Chains Association expects five to eight per cent growth in the retail industry this year, said vice-president Datuk Garry Chua.
“We are very optimistic with the New Key Economic Areas as announced by the government, especially for the retail industry,” he told a press conference in conjunction with the association’s 18th anniversary and Awards Banquet 2010.
“For the upcoming budget, the association has its own wish list. The government should come forward to help small-and medium-sized enterprises to tide over with the economic distress,” said secretary-general Valerie Choo.
On corporate tax reduction, she said there must be some reduction as it would help SMEs in terms of cashflow.
“Moreover, the government is always talking about growth. In order for the retail industry to grow, we need sufficient cashflow to open new outlets. That’s why SMEs are eager over lowering the tax rate,” she said.
The anniversary and awards banquet will be held at Sunway Resort Hotel and Spa Ballroom in Petaling Jaya on Oct 29. — Bernama