NEW measures have been taken to encourage and help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) exploit overseas markets, according to the city’s commerce bureau and finance bureau.

    According to the new rules, the annual export minimum for SMEs has been adjusted to no more than US$45 million from US$15 million to allow more companies do benefit from the preferential policy.

    Meanwhile, newly founded companies will not be restricted by their export performance in the first year and more help from the government will be offered to companies in areas such as e-business, overseas patent applications and buyouts.

    SMEs which attend overseas exhibitions will receive subsidies of between 20,000 and 50,000 yuan, 15,000 yuan more than the highest amount given by the government previously. All transportation and living expenses on such trips will be covered by the subsidies, according to the new policy.

    (Wang Yuanyuan, Zhou Jianliang)