MRA Grant for People’s Republic of China: A Strategic Entry into One of the World’s Largest Consumer Markets

China, the world’s second-largest economy and most populous nation, presents a massive opportunity for Singapore SMEs with aspirations for international growth. From advanced manufacturing and digital innovation to consumer retail and professional services, the Chinese market offers immense potential across sectors. However, entering China also involves navigating complex regulations, local business practices, and cultural nuances. That’s where the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant for China comes in.

This article provides a comprehensive guide for Singapore-based SMEs on how to leverage the MRA Grant China to support their market expansion plans in the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

Why Expand into China?

Despite its scale and complexity, China continues to be a priority market for internationalisation. Here’s why Singapore SMEs should consider it:

1. Massive Consumer Market

China’s middle class is now over 400 million strong, with rising disposable income and demand for high-quality foreign goods and services. Sectors like food and beverage, health, education, beauty, and luxury products continue to grow.

2. Advanced Digital Ecosystem

China is at the forefront of digital innovation, with leading platforms such as WeChat, Douyin, JD.com, and Alibaba forming a complex but lucrative e-commerce and social commerce environment.

3. Singapore-China Bilateral Ties

Singapore and China have deep economic and diplomatic ties. With multiple government-to-government initiatives such as the Chongqing Connectivity Initiative and the Singapore-China Free Trade Agreement Upgrade Protocol, Singapore SMEs benefit from strong bilateral frameworks.

4. Regional Expansion Hub

A successful entry into China often opens doors to greater regional opportunities across East Asia, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea.

What is the MRA Grant for China?

The MRA Grant China is part of Enterprise Singapore’s suite of support measures to help Singapore SMEs enter new overseas markets. The grant covers up to 50% of qualifying costs, with a funding cap of S$100,000 per new market per fiscal year.

For China, this funding enables SMEs to manage the costs of local marketing, in-market consultations, business matching, and legal compliance.

Eligibility Criteria for MRA Grant China

To apply for the MRA Grant for the People’s Republic of China, your company must:

• Be registered and operating in Singapore

• Have at least 30% local shareholding

• Have a group annual turnover of less than S$100 million OR employ fewer than 200 staff

• Not have already received MRA funding for China in the same fiscal year

You must submit the application before commencing any activities, as retroactive claims are not allowed.

Claimable Activities Under the MRA Grant China

The grant supports a broad range of internationalisation activities, grouped into three categories:

1. Overseas Market Promotion

• Participating in trade fairs and exhibitions in cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou

• Running social media or influencer campaigns on WeChat, Xiaohongshu, or Weibo

• Engaging public relations or marketing agencies to increase brand awareness in China

2. Overseas Business Development

• Appointing Chinese distributors or franchise partners

• Business matching services and lead generation with potential clients or investors

• In-market consultants providing local buyer insights and competitor analysis

3. Overseas Market Set-Up

• Legal and tax advisory for company incorporation in China

• IP protection and trademark registration with the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA)

• HR advisory and recruitment strategy planning

These supported activities allow companies to gain visibility, build connections, and operate legally and effectively in China.

MRA Grant China Funding Breakdown

Funding under the MRA Grant for China is allocated as follows:

Activity Category	Maximum Support Cap
Market Promotion	Up to S$20,000
Business Development	Up to S$50,000
Market Set-Up	Up to S$30,000

By strategically distributing your budget, your company can maximise the grant’s value across various stages of expansion.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these key steps to apply for and utilise the MRA Grant China effectively:

Step 1: Preparation

• Ensure eligibility criteria are met

• Decide on your activities and vendors (certain services may require ESG-recognised providers)

• Gather quotations, deliverable scopes, and proposed timelines

Step 2: Application via Business Grants Portal (BGP)

• Visit Business Grants Portal using your CorpPass

• Select “Market Readiness Assistance Grant” and choose “People’s Republic of China” as the market

• Upload all supporting documents and submit for review

Step 3: Wait for Approval

• Do not commence work until Enterprise Singapore provides written approval

Step 4: Execute and Monitor

• Carry out the approved activities

• Maintain thorough documentation of all transactions, marketing outcomes, and advisory deliverables

Step 5: Submit Claim

• Submit your reimbursement claim with supporting evidence such as invoices, reports, and photos

• Enterprise Singapore will process and reimburse the eligible costs
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls will increase your chance of success and reimbursement:

• Starting before approval – Any expenses before formal approval are not eligible

• Inadequate documentation – Every invoice, deliverable, and result must be properly recorded

• Working with unqualified vendors – Always check vendor eligibility requirements

• Budget overruns – Stay within category caps for full reimbursement
  

Real-World Examples of MRA Grant China in Action

Case Study 1: E-Commerce Brand Expansion

A lifestyle brand from Singapore used MRA funding to localise their website for the Chinese market, run influencer-led promotions on Xiaohongshu, and exhibit at a trade fair in Guangzhou. The result: a new retail distributor signed and thousands of followers gained online.

Case Study 2: SaaS Market Entry

A Singapore-based software company entered China’s B2B space by leveraging MRA support for legal incorporation, hosting virtual demos for potential clients, and running WeChat ad campaigns tailored to logistics companies.

Case Study 3: Premium F&B Launch

An F&B brand participated in a gourmet food expo in Shanghai with MRA support for PR services, logistics, and booth design. They successfully onboarded a local importer and began shipping within six months.

These examples show how MRA support accelerates market entry and reduces risks in complex markets like China.

The Value of Hiring a Consultant for MRA Grant China

Given China’s regulatory and cultural complexity, hiring a consultant who understands both MRA processes and the Chinese business environment can help in several ways:

• Structuring your application for approval

• Providing local market insights and business connections

• Advising on cultural nuances, consumer behaviour, and legal compliance

• Helping with claim preparation and documentation

This is particularly helpful for SMEs with limited exposure to Chinese market dynamics or language proficiency challenges.

High-Potential Sectors in China for Singapore SMEs

Singapore SMEs in the following industries will likely benefit most from the MRA Grant for China:

• E-Commerce and Retail – Demand for international and luxury brands remains strong

• Education and EdTech – Parents seek high-quality enrichment, language, and digital education tools

• F&B and Health Products – Chinese consumers favour premium health, wellness, and imported food products

• Technology and SaaS – AI, fintech, logistics platforms, and B2B SaaS are in demand among Chinese enterprises

• Professional Services – Legal, compliance, branding, and tech consulting services have room for growth

Matching your product or service to China’s specific market demands is key to long-term success.

Conclusion: Enter China with Confidence Using the MRA Grant

The MRA Grant for China offers a rare opportunity for Singapore SMEs to enter one of the world’s most lucrative markets with substantial government support. With up to S$100,000 in co-funding, your business can explore, promote, and set up operations in China with less financial pressure.

Whether you’re launching a new digital product, looking for distribution partners, or building a presence in major Chinese cities, the MRA Grant China gives you the head start you need to succeed in this competitive landscape.

Take the first step today toward expanding into China—backed by a structured, government-supported framework designed for your success.