The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) leads a delegation of more than 500 business leaders from 56 companies to the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE) showcasing resilience in Singapore-China trade relations
THE SBF, in collaboration with Enterprise Singapore, is set to lead a formidable delegation of over 500 senior business representatives from 56 prominent Singapore companies to the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, China, taking place from November 5th to 10th, 2023. This delegation marks the most substantial Singaporean presence since 2020 and comes on the heels of the elevation of Sino-Singapore bilateral relations to an “All-Round High-Quality Future-Oriented Partnership” earlier this year.
Amidst the challenges presented by pandemic-related travel restrictions, SBF has steadfastly continued to facilitate Singapore’s business engagement with CIIE, with notable support from Enterprise Singapore. The 5th CIIE witnessed the signing of 15 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Singaporean and Chinese enterprises, with an estimated total value surpassing SGD $4.5 million (RMB 20 million). Over the three-year pandemic period from 2020 to 2023, a total of 34 MoUs were inked, and exhibitors reported sales totaling nearly SGD $23 million at CIIE.
CIIE continues to hold strategic importance for Singaporean companies seeking to establish a presence in the Chinese market, as well as those aiming to fortify existing partnerships and expand their networks within the region. Approximately 40% of Singaporean exhibitors will be making their debut at CIIE this year, while the remaining 60% are seasoned participants. Among the first-time participants is Applied Total Control Treatment Pte Ltd, one of Singapore’s premier metal finishing companies. Meanwhile, Fun Learners’ School Pte Ltd returns as a repeat exhibitor.
The overarching theme for Singapore’s involvement in the 6th CIIE is “Singapore-China: Advancing Future-Oriented Partnership” (新中致远，共创前瞻未来), symbolizing the fresh chapter in bilateral relations. Spanning nearly 1,286 square meters, the Singapore Pavilion encompasses the Consumer Goods Hall, Food & Agricultural Products Hall, and Trade in Services Hall, offering a diverse array of innovative, top-tier, and dependable products and services. The pavilion’s design concept seeks to position Singapore as a vibrant hub of technological ingenuity and sustainable progress.
Kok Ping Soon, CEO of SBF, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Singapore businesses are buoyed by the upgraded bilateral relationship between China and Singapore and are looking forward to more significant trade and investment opportunities.” He emphasized that CIIE remains an indispensable platform for Singaporean businesses, particularly in high-growth sectors like digital innovation and sustainability.
