The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) was set up in 1955 and the Chief Minister David Marshall became the Assistant Minister to the MCI. From 1957, the MCI also assumed responsibility for the development of tourism as an industry, a function previously undertaken by the Department of Information Service. After the 1959 General Elections, the MCI became the Division of Commerce and Industry within the Ministry of Finance.
The MCI was mainly responsible for toursim, advertising, press cuttings about Singapore, local publications, travel services, PATA conferences etc. Other functions of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry included providing information on trade and industry when required to do so. Local and foreign enquiries were provided with addresses of manufacturers and importers, as Singapore was an important entrepot.
