Pacific trade pact a boon to SMEs aiming to grow globally

But many small firms here still unclear about the treaty's benefits, say business leaders

Mr Samuel Tan (left), co-founder and chief executive officer of Auk Industries, which makes industrial productivity tracking systems, posing with his team.
Mr Samuel Tan (left), co-founder and chief executive officer of Auk Industries, which makes industrial productivity tracking systems, posing with his team. PHOTO: AUK INDUSTRIES
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Some may scoff at Mr Samuel Tan's lofty ambition to break into more competitive overseas markets, when the small Singaporean firm he co-founded is barely two years old.

But a landmark trade deal set to take effect on Dec 30 may give small and medium firms like his a fighting chance when they expand abroad.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on November 02, 2018, with the headline Pacific trade pact a boon to SMEs aiming to grow globally. Subscribe