Core Viewpoint - The recent increase in tariffs by the United States has significantly impacted Singapore's economy, prompting the government to implement a series of systematic policies to help businesses adapt to the challenges posed by the changing global trade landscape [1] Group 1: Government Initiatives - The Singapore government has established an Economic Resilience Taskforce led by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, which includes ministers from various departments and representatives from the business sector and labor unions [1] - The taskforce has three sub-groups focusing on information sharing, immediate challenges, and long-term strategic planning to enhance resilience and sustainable development in the economy [1] Group 2: Financial Support Measures - New corporate assistance measures have been introduced, including a tax deferral policy allowing businesses to extend tax payment deadlines by 6 to 12 months, alleviating cash flow pressures [2] - A wage subsidy program provides up to 40% of monthly salary costs for key industries affected by tariffs, helping companies like Singapore Airlines maintain operations and avoid large-scale layoffs [2] - The government is also using sovereign wealth funds to support financing guarantees for small and medium-sized enterprises, facilitating access to low-interest loans [2] Group 3: Market Expansion and Cooperation - The government aims to reduce reliance on the U.S. market by hosting international trade fairs, such as the "Asia Trade Connect," attracting over a thousand buyers from countries like China, India, and the Middle East [3] - The food company "Ocean Group" secured a long-term supply agreement with Vietnam's largest supermarket chain, projecting a 37% year-on-year sales increase in Southeast Asia for 2024 [3] - Singapore is accelerating the development of its free trade agreement network, with an upgraded agreement with ASEAN countries expected to reduce average tariffs on electronic products by 7.5%, lowering logistics costs for local semiconductor firms by 15% [3] Group 4: Industry Upgrading and Innovation - The government has established a Digital Transformation Fund to provide financial subsidies and technical support, enhancing production efficiency and product quality for businesses [4] - Companies adopting industrial IoT and AI technologies can receive up to 50% subsidies for equipment purchases, improving their competitiveness in high-end manufacturing [4] - Collaborations between universities and research institutions are being strengthened to promote the commercialization of technological advancements, such as new biomedical materials developed in partnership with Nanyang Technological University [4] Group 5: Policy Service System - Relevant government departments are enhancing tracking and research on U.S. tariff policies, providing timely updates to businesses on policy changes and market dynamics [5] - The Singapore Enterprise Development Agency has launched a "Tariff Intelligence Alert Platform" that uses AI to analyze U.S. tariff changes, issuing over 1,200 risk assessment reports [5] - A 24-hour multilingual consultation hotline has been established, along with expert service teams, to offer tailored solutions and advice to businesses facing tariff-related challenges [5]
新加坡政府帮助企业应对关税压力
Jing Ji Ri Bao·2025-05-02 22:09