Measures to Support Local Businesses against Competition from Overseas Chains
Ministry of Trade and IndustrySpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Ms Valerie Lee’s inquiry regarding statistics on retail shop ownership and measures to support local businesses against competition from well-funded overseas chains. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong highlighted Enterprise Singapore’s Productivity Solutions Grant, Enterprise Development Grant, and Market Readiness Assistance Grant for productivity and expansion. He noted targeted initiatives like the Retail Maverick Challenge and Design Orchard Retail Singapore, which help local brands innovate and gain retail exposure while reducing costs. These schemes assist small and medium enterprises in transforming their business models and expanding overseas to remain competitive in the market. The government continues to work with industry stakeholders and the Singapore Retailers Association to further explore support mechanisms for local retailers.
Transcript
10 Ms Valerie Lee asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) whether the Ministry can provide statistics on the country of origin of retail shops operating in Singapore; and (b) what measures are in place to support local businesses competing against overseas chains with significant financial backing that may drive up rents and associated costs.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: The breakdown of registered retail business entities operating in Singapore by ownership, as of 8 January 2026, is in Table 1.
Enterprise Singapore supports local retailers through schemes that help small and medium enterprises enhance their productivity, transform their business and expand overseas. These include the Productivity Solutions Grant, the Enterprise Development Grant and the Market Readiness Assistance Grant.
The Government also supports more targeted programmes that encourage local retailers to innovate and provide differentiated offerings. These include the Retail Maverick Challenge, which is a platform launched by Enterprise Singapore and CapitaLand for local retailers to pilot innovative and experiential retail concepts. Another example is Design Orchard Retail Singapore (DORS), managed by the Singapore Fashion Council with help from the Singapore Tourism Board and Enterprise Singapore. DORS showcases over 80 local design brands, providing them with premium retail exposure and cost savings through shared facilities and services.
The Government will continue to work with industry stakeholders and key trade associations, such as the Singapore Retailers Association (SRA), to explore how else we can support our local retailers.