Public officers to be seconded to trade groups to understand SME needs

PUBLIC officers will be seconded to trade associations and chambers (TAC) to increase their understanding of the needs of different sectors, said Heng Swee Keat, Minister for Finance. Also, more funding of up to S$30 million will be set aside over the next five years to support TACs, he said.

TACs have intimate knowledge of their specific sectors and especially the problems of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), he said. "They are well placed to reach out to many firms, especially SMEs," said Mr Heng.

The government will build on the existing Local Enterprise and Association Development (LEAD) programme to help TACs strengthen their outreach through the new LEAD-PLUS programme. This will provide wider funding support for TACs to attract talent, develop their capabilities, and strengthen their processes and services.