Central News Agency (CNA Taipei, July 1, 2024) The Ministry of Economic Affairs' International Trade Administration announced today that the budget for its program to assist manufacturers in establishing overseas distribution channels will be increased from NT$100 million to NT$600 million this year. Two new subsidy items, including distribution and agency cooperation and maintenance services, will be added to help businesses cope with global supply chain restructuring and tariff challenges. The International Trade Administration held the "MOEA Program to Assist Manufacturers in Establishing Overseas Distribution Channels Results Conference" today. According to the Administration's statistics, 165 companies participated in the program last year, with 149 cases approved, a growth of about 4 times, indicating a significant increase in corporate participation. Companies have established a presence in 44 countries and over 2,500 overseas distribution points. Subsidized companies have seen an average export growth of over 25%. The main industries applying are machinery and equipment, consumer goods manufacturing, and metal manufacturing. Small and medium-sized enterprises account for about 75% of participants. The primary form of overseas distribution channel establishment is exhibition centers, accounting for over 70%. William Liu, Director-General of the International Trade Administration, stated that corporate competition today is no longer just about reducing costs, but about how to be close to the market and provide timely services. Traditional industries such as machine tools, hand tools, and automotive parts need to establish local exhibition centers, distribution warehouses, or maintenance points to shorten delivery times and improve after-sales service efficiency. This is also the most apparent trend in current corporate overseas expansion. William Liu further pointed out that in addition to the existing subsidies for overseas exhibition points, warehousing and