Taiwan selects 74 top-notch SMEs last year

Taiwanese Premier Jiang Yi-huah said the government will continue to map out policy measures to sharpen the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Jiang made the remarks, after being briefed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs on the implementation of a project aimed at identifying top-notch SMEs with exceptional management expertise and technological capabilities, and building them into global players in their respective lines of business, according to Taiwan Today.

Under the three-year initiative that began October 2012, at least 150 top-notch SMEs will be selected for strategic promotion. The ministry chose 74 businesses from among 258 candidates this year.

As part of the program, the ministry also named 10 firms as winners of the Taiwan Mittlestand Award, Taiwan Today said. They include accessory designer Franz Collections, bike producer Giant Manufacturing and hardware supplier Hiwin Technologies.

Jiang said the ministry and all relevant agencies will provide these firms with customized assistance in brand development, marketing, intellectual property rights consultation, talent training, R&D subsidies and tax incentives.