Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good evening

Tribute to IE Singapore’s Partners in Internationalisation

1.      I am pleased to join you at IE Singapore’s Partners Appreciation Night.

2.      IE Singapore is the lead agency responsible for helping Singapore companies grow and internationalise successfully.  However, IE Singapore does not work in isolation.  IE works in partnership with many organisations to achieve its mission.

3.      IE Singapore has the support and commitment of around 150 local and foreign organisations in Singapore including the embassies, trade agencies, and business associations.  With their own unique networks, knowledge and expertise, these organisations help Singapore-based enterprises venture abroad.  Many of them also promote Singapore as a gateway to Asia, to their own enterprises seeking trade and investment opportunities in this region.

4.      Let me cite a few examples.

5.      The British Embassy and UK Trade & Investment have organised 42 missions and fairs over the last two years, involving some 530 Singapore-based enterprises and British companies to explore business tie-ups.

 6.      The Chinese Embassy has been instrumental in promoting bilateral relations and encouraging trade and investment flows between China and Singapore. In addition, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and a number of Chinese provinces such as Shandong and Zhejiang have also set up their presence in Singapore. With the mandate to help their enterprises internationalise, they work in partnership with IE Singapore to facilitate trade cooperation between our businesses.

7.      Our local business associations are also flying Singapore’s flag high overseas.  With a good understanding of their members’ needs, the Singapore Business Federation, the ethnic chambers of commerce, and the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, have contributed significantly to the internationalisation of Singapore-based companies. I was told that these associations have participated in 162 overseas missions and fairs, involving some 2,400 Singapore-based companies over the last two years.

Launch of the “Foreign Partners for Internationalisation 2005” Directory

8.       Tonight, I am pleased to announce the launch of the “Foreign Partners for Internationalisation” directory.  This is a listing of foreign embassies, trade organisations, government organisations, chambers and associations in Singapore. 

9.      We hope that this would be useful for Singapore-based companies seeking more information on overseas trade, investment and business opportunities. I congratulate IE Singapore and its partners for making this possible.

Conclusion

10. In closing, I urge you to build on the strong foundation you have established, to reach for greater heights in promoting trade and investments.

11. Thank you.