Q2: Support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises
MR CHAN CHUN-YING: Thank you, President. The main reply has expounded on the processing times, and I note that the same level of efficiency can be maintained. Yet, given that the Bureau has accumulated so much experience, would it be possible to categorize SMEs into different tiers by industry, allowing those where applications are typically processed more smoothly to obtain the Bureau’s approval more quickly? I believe that such categorization can further expedite the vetting and approval process. Will the Bureau consider this? Thank you.
UNDER SECRETARY FOR COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: I thank the Member for his suggestion. We will give thorough consideration to suggestions in various aspects after going back. As we all know, neither the BUD Fund nor EMF categorizes applicant enterprises by industry. Enterprises from any industry may apply as long as they meet our criteria, such as being eligible for market expansion or upgrading and transformation. For complicated cases involving issues relating to document submission or other aspects, such as incomplete documentation, application processing will be suspended so that other eligible applications accompanied by all necessary documentation can be processed first. We will continue to carry out our work effectively in accordance with our performance pledge. Thank you, Member.