Economic spending cut, but businesses have reasons for cheer with Budget

This year's Budget was delivered by Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat on Monday. Although there is less spending on economic development than in past years, and there are fewer new measures to aid companies and workers, experts say this year's Budget b
This year's Budget was delivered by Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat on Monday. Although there is less spending on economic development than in past years, and there are fewer new measures to aid companies and workers, experts say this year's Budget builds on previous ones to help firms grow. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
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Businesses might feel a bit short-changed from Monday's Budget given the oodles of help dished out for social spending, but a closer look reveals some key benefits, according to corporate experts.

That first glance shows less spending on economic development compared with past years, and fewer new measures to aid companies and workers. However, experts say this Budget builds on previous ones to help firms grow.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 20, 2019, with the headline Economic spending cut, but businesses have reasons for cheer with Budget. Subscribe