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Energy fund for SMEs
The Energy Conservation Promotion Fund has approved a Bt581.44-million budget for the Energy Policy and Planning Office and the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency to help Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) save Bt700 million in energy expenses.
The move supports the government’s policy to alleviate by next month the energy cost for SMEs affected by domestic and external economic factors.
The budget will support use of energy-saving light bulbs by SMEs nationwide under a Bt420.44-million budget. It will offer energy-saving advisory services to help 2,000 SMEs cut energy expenses under a Bt161-million budget.
F&N capital distribution
Fraser & Neave declared on Friday a capital distribution of nearly $4.73 billion Singapore dollars, the bulk of which will go to its controlling shareholder.
Its second-quarter net profit dropped 45 per cent from the same period a year ago to $47.1 million as it incurred a one-time charge of $72 million related to takeover offers. F&N’s revenue rose 17 per cent to $912 million in the first quarter. – ANN
