Question
Mr Teo Siong Seng: To ask the Minister for Trade and Industry whether his Ministry can look into implementing suitable schemes or programmes for hawkers operating in the HDB heartlands but who are not eligible under existing schemes to upgrade their business operations or improve productivity.
Written reply by Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade and Industry
As part of the national productivity drive, we have a wide range of programmes to help businesses in every sector re-tool their businesses, reduce reliance on manpower, and raise productivity.
Hawkers who are keen to upgrade their business operations and improve productivity may approach any of the SME centres for free advice on how they can better utilise their existing resources and re-look some of their work processes. Satellite SME centres, situated at Community Development Councils (CDCs), make it even easier for hawkers in the heartlands to access help.
In addition, NEA will continue to explore the potential for central dishwashing to improve productivity of hawkers and public hygiene.