Question

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) whether the Government is working with South Korean authorities and conducting its own investigations into Singapore-based Qoo10 regarding payment delays at its e-commerce platforms in South Korea; (b) whether the Ministry is aware of any similar payment delays faced by merchants in Singapore; and (c) if so, what recourse and assistance are rendered to merchants who may be facing such issues.

Written Answer by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong

1. The Government has received feedback from several Singapore-based merchants regarding payment delays from Qoo10. We have brought these cases to Qoo10’s attention and requested that they take prompt action to resolve the delays with the affected merchants. The Government is also closely monitoring developments in South Korea regarding Qoo10’s subsidiaries and is in touch with Qoo10 to assess whether and how this may affect its operations in Singapore.

2. Merchants facing payment delays should raise their concerns with Qoo10. If the concerns remain unresolved, there are established processes in place to assist merchants in resolving commercial disputes, inclusive of debt recovery. For example, they can consider filing a civil claim with the courts. Merchants who face cash flow difficulties because of the payment delays may contact any of the participating Financial Institutions listed on Enterprise Singapore’s website to apply for the Enterprise Financing Scheme (Working Capital Loan).