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SINGAPORE BUSINESS FEDERATION ANNUAL REPORT 2010
Latin America
Germany
In partnership with the respective embassies, government agencies and private companies, SBF organised a 5-part market profile series focused on key markets in Latin America, including Brazil, Peru, Paraguay and Venezuela. The series also highlighted the vast potential of business prospects across Latin America. Singapore businesses were informed that Latin America, which was not affected by the global financial crisis, offers numerous trade and investment opportunities in areas such as infrastructure, energy, oil and gas, R&D, biotechnology, hospitality and transportation.
SBF led a business mission to Germany, in conjunction with the Germany – Singapore Business Forum (GSBF) 2010, with focus on Precision Engineering, Medical Technology and Environmental Technology. The forum was attended by 28 German companies and 36 Singapore companies with an over-arching focus on forging successful Singapore-German SME partnerships for business growth. The Singapore delegates of elite businessmen from the Precision Engineering and Environmental Technology field attended Global Connect 2010 in Stuttgart, as well as other business meetings and briefings during visits to various business chambers and manufacturing facilities.
The exchanges enabled some 200 Singapore businessmen to network with more than 30 visiting delegates from overseas government agencies, including 20 key regional companies and trade organisations. In particular, the Rio de Janeiro Investment Opportunities Road Show highlighted special projects in Rio in the run-up to the upcoming 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games.
Business mission to Germany, 24 – 30 October
Aside from the economic briefings, the delegates also attended sectoral-based plenary sessions and panel discussions on innovation and internalisation challenges and opportunities. In addition to GSBF, the delegation had the opportunity to witness the Global Connect 2010 opening ceremony and visited the Global Connect Fair during their stay in Stuttgart. Participants were generally very satisfied with the mission, with total expected value of sales amounting to $850,000 based on the feedback collected from participants.
Company Visit to Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG