KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 — Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd (PUNB) is targeting 15 "PUNB Entrepreneur Partner” companies in the automotive industry to take part in the Petronas AutoExpert Programme this year.

In a statement today, PUNB chief executive officer Izwan Zainuddin said five entrepreneurs in the automotive field have already participated in this programme which was first introduced last year.

"PUNB continues to support this programme to increase the number of our entrepreneur friends participating in the Petronas AutoExpert programme, thereby helping to upgrade Bumiputera entrepreneurs’ workshops to a more conducive and competitive level,” he said.

The Petronas AutoExpert Programme is PUNB’s collaboration with Petronas Lubricants Marketing Malaysia Sdn Bhd to enable PUNB’s business partners to run a concept vehicle workshop business under the Petronas brand.

The programme enables eligible PUNB Entrepreneur Partner workshops to be assisted from, among others, business financing to a one-stop service centre which provides expert support and access to advanced systems and equipment including lubricants.

In addition, those who become business partners of Petronas AutoExpert will receive training, marketing support, trading programmes and negotiations for business development from Petronas, added Izwan. — Bernama