SMALLER firms here looking to make a bigger impression overseas can now tap into a new programme that has been set up by IE Singapore.
Firms planning their first baby steps in the vital export market can now attend training courses on export matters under the programme.
They will have access to experienced export coaches to walk them through the process - and will even go on business matching trips abroad.
The course will take nine to 12 months to complete, depending on the availability of business missions and the industry involved.
Ms Chung Lai Thoe, deputy director of IE Singapore's enterprise group, said the modest domestic market means that many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will inevitably look abroad.
Exporting is usually the entry point for smaller businesses looking to expand overseas. Each year, IE Singapore gets about 30,000 inquiries mostly from SMEs seeking help in going global.
Official figures show Singapore's trade with Asean was $242 billion last year, while trade with China, the Middle East and India was $91 billion, $48 billion and $23 billion respectively.
The new Exporter Development Programme has been designed to help firms new to exporting to tap into those lucrative markets.
Speaking at IE Singapore's Exporters Seminar yesterday, Ms Chung told an audience of more than 200 businessmen that the new programme can help them develop the skills and knowledge required to engage in export activities.
'In our interaction with companies, we found that a lot of them have started, or are trying to export without any prior training,' she said.
'Very few would have also gone through a structured programme where they go into the 101s of exporting.'
Pitfalls for the uninitiated include issues with foreign currency exchange, tax, regulations and industry certifications such as food, which may need to go through stringent checks.
Mr Ricky Chua, general manager of OE Manufacturing (OEM), is delighted at the programme. 'OEM is now exporting from our new plant in China to various other markets both within Asean and to the US,' said Mr Chua, whose firm specialises in fabricating hydraulic cylinders.
The programme would help the firm avoid pitfalls as it pushes ahead with exports.
This article was first published in The Straits Times on September 3, 2008.
