The various productivity incentive schemes will be made more accessible for small and medium firms, said Second Minister for Trade and Industry S. Iswaran.

He said that the moves are part of an overall push to get more firms to restructure and raise their productivity.

Local firms have long complained that productivity schemes are difficult to understand and apply for.

Speaking to reporters yesterday after a visit to a precision engineering firm, Mr Iswaran said that this issue will be addressed soon.

The Budget will be delivered on Feb 25 and it is expected to focus on local enterprises and help them cope with the tight manpower market as well as rising costs.