Written reply to PQ on Measures to Support Local Businesses against Competition from Overseas Chains

Question:

Ms Valerie Lee: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) whether the Ministry can provide statistics on the country of origin of retail shops operating in Singapore; and (b) what measures are in place to support local businesses competing against overseas chains with significant financial backing that may drive up rents and associated costs.

Written Answer by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong

1.      The breakdown of registered retail business entities* operating in Singapore by ownership#, as of 8 January 2026, is in Table 1.

Table 1

Source: Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA)

Notes:

* Data excludes SSIC 473: retail sales of motor vehicles, parts, accessories and automotive fuel in specialised stores and SSIC 478: retail sales via stores and markets.

# The ownership of a business entity is determined by the shareholders who collectively hold >50% share of the business entity. For individual shareholders, classification is based on residency for Singapore residents¹ and on nationality for non-residents. For corporate shareholders, this refers to their place of incorporation. For the avoidance of doubt, if no group of shareholders hold >50% share of the business entity, it is classed as ‘Other foreign business entities’. This category also includes foreign business entities not presented in the table due to small counts (<100).

¹As defined by the Department of Statistics, resident population comprises Singapore citizens and permanent residents. Source: SingStat Website – Population and Population Structure

2.      Enterprise Singapore supports local retailers through schemes that help SMEs enhance their productivity, transform their business and expand overseas. These include the Productivity Solutions Grant, the Enterprise Development Grant, and the Market Readiness Assistance Grant.

3.      The Government also supports more targeted programmes that encourage local retailers to innovate and provide differentiated offerings. These include the Retail Maverick Challenge, which is a platform launched by Enterprise Singapore and CapitaLand for local retailers to pilot innovative and experiential retail concepts. Another example is Design Orchard Retail Singapore (DORS), managed by the Singapore Fashion Council with help from the Singapore Tourism Board and Enterprise Singapore. DORS showcases over 80 local design brands, providing them with premium retail exposure and cost savings through shared facilities and services.  

4.      The Government will continue to work with industry stakeholders and key trade associations, such as the Singapore Retailers Association (SRA), to explore how else we can support our local retailers.