Improvements to the SME Funding Scheme may be introduced to further support businesses hit by SARS, the Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology Henry Tang says.

Speaking at the Legislative Council today, Mr Tang said business for many small and medium enterprises has been hindered by the disruption caused by SARS on export promotional activities, including trade fairs and exhibitions.

As a result, SMEs will have to step up efforts in export promotion to reach new customers, regain the confidence of existing customers, and re-establish their overseas network, he said.

The proposal is to increase the maximum amount the Export Marketing Fund may receive from $40,000 to $80,000, while the maximum grant for each successful application will be $30,000 or 50% of the total expenditure on fundable items, whichever is less.

As at last month, there were 6,994 applications for the fund, and 5,892 were approved. Mr Tang said he hoped the improvement of the fund will encourage SMEs to more proactively partake in export promotional activities.

For the SME Training Fund, the subsidy level per successful application may be raised from 50% to 70% of the training expenses, making SMEs more willing to provide training for their staff.