Support from big businesses for overseas operations of their partner vendors has more than doubled over the past three years, a report by the lobbying group of large companies said Wednesday.

The Federation of Korean Industries said the number of conglomerates helping their partner vendors start operations abroad rose to 41 last year from just 18 in 2010, with the number of small and medium enterprises benefiting from such a move rising to 2,939 from 1,428.

Broken down by types of support offered, the latest findings showed the most common kind of support centered on helping vendors send delegations to enter untapped markets, as well as assisting companies in taking part in various exhibitions.

“In 2010, when conglomerates announced the comprehensive plan for mutual growth with partner firms, there were only 27 companies that got help to send market research teams abroad to see if they can make headway in a particular country, but this grew to 431 last year,” the federation claimed.

It said exhibition support surged from 40 companies receiving assistance to 290, a 7.2-fold increase. (Yonhap)