Question

Assoc Prof Jamus Lim: To ask the Minister for Trade and Industry (a) how many merchants have been included in the Community Development Council (CDC) Vouchers Scheme as a participant; (b) how many merchants have been approached in total; (c) whether there is a timeline for the CDC Ambassadors to approach all eligible shops for participation; and (d) whether any criteria have been taken into consideration for inclusion as a participant in the CDC Vouchers Scheme after the merchant has registered their interest.

Written Answer by Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong

1. Since the launch of the CDC Vouchers Scheme three months ago, more than 14,500 heartland merchants and hawkers are already participating in the scheme.

2. The CDCs have been engaging the heartland merchants and hawkers since then, and will continue to reach out to a broad cross section of heartland merchants and hawkers ranging from daily necessities to essential goods and services. Ambassadors will also go around the heartlands to share about the CDC vouchers Scheme and encourage the merchants and hawkers to participate in the scheme.

3. Those which are interested can register with the CDCs at the website: vouchers.cdc.gov.sg or through their respective Merchants’ Associations, Hawkers’ Associations, or Business Advisers at SME Centres @ CDC. Ambassadors will visit the heartlands to share about the CDC vouchers Scheme and encourage merchants and hawkers to participate in the scheme.