More opportunities for collaboration in services sector

Singapore has strengthened its presence at the second China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing that is being held from May 28 to June 1, 2013, as compared to last year. In a press release, the Ministry of Trade and Industry stated that 27 Singapore companies and business associations will showcase their expertise in services at the Singapore Pavilion.

Themed "Singapore - Modern Services, Liveable and Sustainable Cities", the Pavilion focuses on five modern services sectors - logistics and information communication technology (ICT) services, urban solutions and environmental services, professional services, educational services and skills training, and other services.

CIFTIS is China's only State Council-endorsed, national-level and comprehensive trade in services fair and is a significant platform for service companies from various cities to exchange ideas and forge partnerships. The event brings Chinese and Singapore companies together in a significant way.

On what Singapore companies can offer, Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck said, "Singapore's services companies are able to provide professional, practical and cost-effective services, as well as solutions in areas such as financing, legal, accounting and audit, and intellectual property rights. Chinese companies looking to internationalise can also rely on the accumulated expertise and experience that Singapore companies have in the Singapore and ASEAN markets."

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck will visit the Singapore Pavilion on May 29. Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam will also attend the CIFTIS grand opening ceremony on May 29.

Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam said, "China's rapid urbanisation provides significant opportunities for Singapore companies. They can also provide professional services and partner Chinese companies who are looking to grow in the regional markets."

Minister of State for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck will attend a key highlight of CIFTIS - the Singapore Day Seminar on May 29, aimed to promote Singapore's strengths in professional services, especially for Chinese companies looking to expand into the region.

More than 140 representatives from Chinese and Singapore companies are expected to attend the seminar, "Singapore: Your Partner for Internationalisation - Seminar on Singapore Professional Services". The seminar is co-organised by the Singapore Business Federation and the Ministry of Trade and Industry, supported by IE Singapore.

jeankng@sph.com.sg