Annual Report 2007

STNETNOC

02 ◗◗Our Objectives

03 ◗◗Message from the Chairman

05 ◗◗Federation Profile

14 ◗◗SBF Committees

18 ◗◗Activities on the Home Front

28 ◗◗Business Networking, Visits and Missions

40 ◗◗Bilateral/International Relations

43 ◗◗List of 2007 Activities

◗◗To enhance the organisation of the business community in Singapore.

◗◗To represent, advance, promote and protect, in Singapore and abroad, the major business concerns (such as investment and trade opportunities and labour management issues) of business entities carrying on commerce and industry in Singapore.

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Our

VITCEJBO E S

Message from the

NAMRIAHC

◗◗Initially managed by a core staff of five, SBF has grown to an organisation of more than 50 today. Our programmes, services and activities have increased exponentially to 220 events year round with over 22,000 participants from over 7,000 active members.

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SBF’s activities and achievements in 2007 cap six years of growth and progress.

Initially managed by a core staff of five, SBF has grown to an organisation of more than 50 today. Our programmes, services and activities have increased exponentially to 220 events year round with over 22,000 participants from over 7,000 active members.

Our broad and diverse membership calls for us to organise a wide range of both generic and specific activities to meet the needs and aspirations of all members.

Key initiatives in 2007 included the launch of EnterpriseOne Business Information Services to help SMEs find better information on markets and industry trends, and the inauguration of the SBF Middle East Business Group, a business network to help local businesses tap into opportunities in the Middle East.

Large scale events like the briefings on Singapore Budget 2007, National Wages Council Guidelines 2007/2008, Company’s Tax Obligations, and Re-employment Legislation attracted large segments of our membership, just as targeted events like our Mentorship programmes on branding, business continuity management and business finance catered to specific needs of our members.

During the year, SBF received 43 visits from business delegations, business chambers, and government officials from 25 countries including Uzbekistan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, China, South Korea, Brazil and Rwanda who were keen to do business with Singapore companies. Close to 30 of these visits resulted in business information forums, business-matching and/or dialogue sessions benefiting more than 3,500 members of the local business community.

On its part, SBF led 12 missions to 13 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Latin America, including the China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, China. There was a strong focus on establishing linkages with counterpart chambers and for our members to get a first hand feel of the business environment and opportunities that these developing economies presented.

The feature events of the year included the Global Entrepolis@Singapore networking event which saw SBF as co-presenter for the fourth consecutive year. Separately, SBF was host and

◗◗Our objective will be to sustain the wide reach of our members by continuing to offer relevant programmes and services.

co-organiser of the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit and the inaugural ASEAN Business Awards. Both events enabled our members to network and forge ties with delegates from across Asia. The ICC Banking Commission Meeting jointly organised by the International Chamber of Commerce and the Singapore Business Federation was a first for Singapore. It represented a concerted effort to engage and invite greater participation from ICC Asian partners, like Singapore, in the Commission’s deliberations and meetings.

Looking ahead, our objective will be to sustain the wide reach of our members by continuing to offer relevant programmes and services. We will strengthen our working relationship with counterpart business chambers both locally and globally to bring greater benefits to Singapore businesses.

I take this opportunity to thank all members for their continued support in establishing SBF as the apex business chamber in Singapore.

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Stephen LeeChairmanSingapore Business Federation

BOARD OF TRUSTEESAs prescribed by the SBF Act 2001, the Board of Trustees is responsible for ensuring that:

the Singapore Business Federation acts in furtherance of its objects as set out in the Act and in its Constitution;the funds and assets of the Federation are properly accounted for and safeguarded; and the persons who are members of the Council are fit and proper to hold such office.

The Minister for Trade & Industry has appointed Mr. Sat Pal Khattar, Chairman of Khattar Holding Group of companies as the Chairman. Mrs. Theresa Foo-Yo Mie Yoen, Chairman of BNP Paribas Capital (Singapore) Ltd, and Mrs. Fang Ai Lian, Chairman of Great Eastern Holdings Limited are the other two members of the Board.

a.

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Federation

ELIFORP

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Sat Pal Khattar ( Chairman )

Member of Presidential Council of Minority RightsChairman of Khattar Holding Group of companies Chairman of Guocoland Ltd, a Singapore listed public company andt Director of Guoco Group Ltd, its HK listed parentLife Trustee of SINDA, a non profit body for the Indian community in SingaporeChairman of IMAA Awards Council Director of Lee Kuan Yew Exchange FellowshipCo-Chairman of Singapore-India Partnership Foundation Director, Institute of South Asian Studies Director of a number of public and private companies in Singapore, Hong Kong and India

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Fang Ai Lian ( Member )

Chairman, Great Eastern Holdings LimitedBoard Member, Banyan Tree Holdings LimitedGoverning Council Member, Singapore Institute of Directors Board Member, Public Utilities Board Board Member, International Enterprise Singapore Member of Management Board, Institute of Policy Studies Member of the Governing Board of the Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School of Singapore Justice of the Peace National Day Awards - The Public Service Medal (2001) President, Home Nursing Foundation President, Breast Cancer Foundation Chairman of Charity Council

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Theresa Foo-Yo Mie Yoen ( Member )

Chairman, BNP Paribas Capital (Singapore) LtdChairman, BNP Paribas Securities (Singapore) Pte LtdChairman, The Esplanade Co LtdChairman, Viva Foundation for Children with Cancer LimitedDeputy Chairman, National Parks BoardBoard Member, Income Tax Board of Review, Ministry of FinanceCouncil Member, Securities Industry CouncilMember, Board of Trustees of Singapore National Employers FederationBoard Director, Ecquaria LimitedAdvisory Board Member, Salvation Army

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FEDERATION PROFILE

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FEDERATION PROFILE

Stephen Lee Ching Yen ( Chairman )

Managing Director of Great Malaysia Textile Investments Pte Ltd President of the Singapore National Employers Federation Chairman of Singapore Airlines LimitedDirector of Fraser and Neave Limited Conferred the Public Service Star in 1998 and the Distinguished Service Order in 2006

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Umar Abdul Hamid ( Vice Chairman )

Executive Chairman of Criterion Management & Advisory Services Pte LtdExecutive Chairman of Criterion Capital Pte LtdManaging Director of Al Ruya Cement FZC (United Arab Emirates)Executive Chairman of Criterion Project Managers (United Arab Emirates) Honorary President of the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry Member of National Wages Council Board Member of Centre For FatheringMember of Tripartite Workgroup on Community Engagement at Workplaces

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SBF COUNCIL MEMBERSThe SBF Council, which manages the affairs of the Federation, include nominated, elected and co-opted representatives. The Council has a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 26 members.

The three local ethnic chambers i.e. Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry will have permanent representation in the Council. Up to one quarter of the total number of the Council Members shall be representatives from foreign chambers of commerce and industry. In addition, up to six members could be co-opted by the Council. The rest of the council members would be nominees of local chambers or elected representatives of member companies.

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Chua Thian Poh ( Vice Chairman )

Chairman & CEO of Ho Bee Investment Ltd President of Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry Advisor of Network China Steering Committee Chairman of Business ChinaChairman of Bishan East Citizens' Consultative Committee Deputy President of Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Member of Board of Trustees and Chairman of Finance & Establishment Committee of Chinese Development Assistance CouncilCouncil Member of National Arts CouncilConferred The Public Service Star (BBM) in 2004Appointed as Justice of the Peace in 2005

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Barry Desker ( Vice Chairman )

Dean, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological UniversityDirector of Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, Nanyang Technological University Chairman of Singapore International Foundation, Jurong Port Pte Ltd and Singapore Technologies Marine LtdMember of the Executive Board of the International Chamber of Commerce, Paris (2006-2008)Was Chief Executive Officer of the former Singapore Trade Development Board (1994-2000) and Singapore's Ambassador to Indonesia (1986-1993)

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Kwek Leng Joo ( Vice Chairman )

Managing Director of City Developments Limited Immediate Past President of Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & IndustryChairman of Board of Trustees, National Youth Achievement Award Council Member of Board of Trustees, Chinese Development Assistance Council Member of Board of Governors, Chinese Heritage Centre Member of Board of Trustees, Nanyang Technological University Member of National Arts Council Conferred the Public Service Star in 2005

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Murugiah Rajaram ( Vice Chairman )

Chairman, Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry Chairman, Spire Investment Holdings Limited Chairman, Network Inter Business Services Pte Ltd Senior Director, Straits Law Practice LLC Director, Hiap Seng Engineering Limited Honorary Consul, Consulate of the Republic of Mali in SingaporeEXCO member, Board of Trustees, ISEAS

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FEDERATION PROFILE

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FEDERATION PROFILE

Peter Seah Lim Huat ( Honorary Treasurer )

Member of Temasek Advisory Panel Conferred the Public Service Star in 1999 Prior to this, he was President and CEO of Singapore Technologies Pte Ltd He was with Overseas Union Bank for 24 years, retiring as Vice Chairman and CEO in 2001 Chairman of Sembcorp Industries Ltd, Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd Member of the boards of Defence Science & Technology Agency and the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation, among othersVice President of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry

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Bob Tan ( Deputy Honorary Treasurer )

Chairman, Jurong Engineering Limited Chairman of the Institute of Technical EducationDirectorships in other companies including Power Seraya Ltd and SMRT Corporation LtdVice President of Singapore National Employers FederationCo-Chairman of Tripartite Alliance for Fair Employment PracticesMember of National Wages CouncilBoard Member of Ong Teng Cheong Institute of Labour Studies Member of NTUC Club Management Council

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Cheng Wai Keung ( Honorary Secretary )

Chairman and Managing Director, Wing Tai Holdings Limited Chairman, Neptune Orient Lines Ltd Vice-Chairman, Singapore-Suzhou Township Development Pte LimitedDirector, GP Batteries International Limited Conferred the Public Service Star (BBM) in 1987, the Public Service Star (Bar) (BBM-Lintang) in 1997 and the Distinguished Service Order (DUBC) in August 2007Reappointed Justice of the Peace in 2005

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Philip W. Forrest ( Deputy Honorary Secretary )

Managing Director Asia, Omega Performance Corporation, a global training and consulting organisationPast President, Honorary Life Member, and presently Treasurer of the Australian Chamber of Commerce, Singapore Former banker who spent 15 years with Citibank in Australia, the USA, the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand, and more recently was Head of Asia for ANZ Bank Resident of Singapore since 1991

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Simon Cheong( Council Member )

Chairman and CEO of SC Global Developments Ltd President of Real Estate Developers' Association of Singapore (REDAS) Board of the Raffles Girls Secondary School in Singapore, 1999 – 2007Executive Chairman of Vantage Corporation Ltd, 2002-2004 Board Member of Singapore Turf Club, 2001-2002 Board Member of Singapore Dance Theatre, 2003-2006

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David Chew Heng Ching( Council Member )

CEO of Ruby Group of Companies Immediate Past Chairman of Singapore International Chamber of Commerce (SICC) Chairman of Singapore Institute of Directors Director of several publicly listed companies Member of SPRING Enterprise Development Advisory Council Past President of Singapore Institute of Directors Former Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker, Singapore Parliament

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Tony Chew Leong Chee(Council Member)

Executive Chairman, Asia Resource Corporation Chairman, KFC Vietnam CompanyLead Independent Director, Keppel Corporation Board Member, Macondray Corporation, Orangestar Holdings Chairman, Governing Board, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School SingaporeChairman, Network Indonesia Adviser, Singapore Institute of International AffairsConferred Public Service Medal in 2001

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David P. Conner ( Council Member )

Chief Executive Officer and Director, Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited Chairman of The Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) Director of OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd Chairman of Bank of Singapore Ltd Director of Great Eastern Holdings Ltd, The Great Eastern Life Assurance Co Ltd and The Overseas Assurance Corporation Ltd Deputy Chairman and Director of Lion Capital Management Ltd Commissioner of PT Bank NISP Tbk Trustee of Washington University in St. Louis

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FEDERATION PROFILE

Freddy Lam Fong Loi ( Council Member )

Group Chairman, Solid Gold Group of Companies and Electro-Acoustics Systems Group of Companies Immediate Past President, ASEAN Chambers of Commerce and Industry Vice President, Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry Vice Chairman, Financial Board of Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce Foundation Vice Chairman, International Relations Committee of Singapore Business Federation Deputy Honorary Treasurer and Council Member, Singapore National Employers Federation Member, Board of Trustees, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies

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Lawrence Leow( Council Member )

President, Association of Small and Medium Enterprises Chairman / Chief Executive Officer of the Crescendas Group Board Member of Standards, Productivity and Innovation Board (SPRING Singapore) Adviser of People’s Association – Youth Movement (PAYM) Member of Pro-Enterprise Panel set up by Ministry of Finance Member, GPC for Finance and Trade & Industry Resource Panel Member, Social Enterprise Financing Sub-committee organised by Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports Member, Singapore Youth Award Advisory Committee (Entrepreneurship)Member, Young Business Leaders Selection Panel by National Youth Council Patron of Yew Tee Citizens’ Consultative Committee and Constituency Sports Club Former Nominated Member of Parliament

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Edwin Khew ( Council Member )

Nominated Member of Parliament President, Singapore Manufacturers' Federation (SMa) CEO & Managing Director, IUT Global Pte Ltd Member, Singapore Green Plan 2012 Coordinating Committee, MEWR, National Climate Change Committee, NEA Chairman, Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore (SEAS), Singapore Association for Environment, Occupational Health, and Safety Companies (SAFEco), Singapore Standards Council (Spring), GS1 Singapore Council (SMa)Director, EDC@SMa, IUT Singapore Pte Ltd Deputy Chairman, Institute of Chemical Engineers (U.K), Singapore Branch, Singapore Accreditation Council, SpringBoard and EXCO member, Singapore Environment Council

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Kwee Liong Keng ( Council Member )

Managing Director of Pontiac Land Private LimitedImmediate Past President of the Real Estate Developers' Association of SingaporeChairman of Wee Kim Wee Legacy Fund1st Vice President of Singapore Hotel AssociationCouncil Member of Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & IndustryMember of Board of Governors, Hwa Chong InstitutionMember of Board of Trustees, Chinese Development Assistance CouncilMember of Board of Trustees, Philadelphia UniversityMember of S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies Fund Raising Committee

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Kristin Paulson ( Council Member )

President (South Asia Pacific) of United Technologies International Operations, Inc Past Chairman of American Chamber of Commerce in SingaporeGovernor & Executive Committee Governor of American Chamber of Commerce in SingaporeVice-Chair, Asia Pacific Council of American Chambers

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Terry O’Connor ( Council Member )

President, British Chamber of Commerce Regional Chief Executive Officer, Courts (Singapore) Limited

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Manfred Schmoelz ( Council Member )

Managing Director, Head, Corporate Banking Coverage Asia Pacific, Deutsche Bank AG, Singapore BranchPresident of the Singaporean-German Chamber of Industry and CommerceBoard member of the Association of the German-European School

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Renato Silvio Sirtori ( Council Member )

Immediate Past Chairman, Singapore International Chamber of Commerce Council Member of the Italian Chamber of Commerce Singapore Managing Director, STMicroelectronics Pte Ltd Director of several companies in Asia

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FEDERATION PROFILE

Robert Yap ( Council Member )

Chairman & CEO of YCH Group Pte Ltd Co-Chairman of Korea-Singapore Logistics Council, Founding Member of India-Singapore CEO Forum, Member of the Malaysia-Singapore Business Council and Founding Chairman of Supply Chain Asia Advisory CouncilChairman of ASEAN-Business Advisory Council and e-ASEAN Committee under the ASEAN-Chambers of Commerce and Industry Member of Network Indonesia Steering Committee, Network China Steering Committee, Singapore-Tianjin Economic & Trade Council (STETC), Singapore-Jiangsu Cooperation Council (SJCC) and Regional Representative (Tianjin) for Network China

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Member of the Singapore Customs’ Advisory CommitteeBoard of Advisors of School of Information Systems in Singapore Management University Member of the Committee on Singapore's Competitiveness 2001, and the Economic Review Committee 2003, and served on the Board of Directors in JTC and PSB Bestowed the IT Leaders Award in 2003 by the Singapore Computer Society and inducted to the Asia Logistics Award Hall of Fame by Lloyds FTB in 2003Awarded Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Singapore 2007

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Masao (Max) Tetsuya ( Council Member )

Managing Director, Sumitomo Corporation (Singapore) Pte Ltd Past President & Steering Committee Member, Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Singapore Councilor & Chairman of the Board of School Committee, The Japanese Association, Singapore

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Wee Ee Cheong ( Council Member )

Deputy Chairman & CEO, United Overseas Bank Director of several UOB subsidiaries and affiliates, including Far Eastern Bank and United Overseas Insurance Director of the Institute of Banking & Finance Council member of the Association of Banks in Singapore and the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & IndustryMember of the Board of Governors of the Singapore-China Foundation, India-Singapore CEO Forum and the Advisory Board of the INSEAD East Asia Council Has served as Deputy Chairman of Housing & Development Board, Director of Port of Singapore Authority & VISA International (Asia Pacific)

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SBF

C O M M I T T SEE

Executive CommitteeThe committee has the authority to act for the Council in policy, procedural, programme and administrative issues and decisions. The Executive Committee sets the overall goals, short and long term objectives, policies, programmes and activities of SBF for the Council’s approval.

Chairman: Mr. Stephen LeeMembers: Mr. Kwek Leng Joo Ms. Kristin Paulson Mr. Murugiah Rajaram Mr. Bob Tan

Finance CommitteeThe Finance Committee acts as the advisor and auditor for the Council on financial matters such as financial statements, level of approving authority, key financial transactions and payments.

Its primary activities are:To maintain proper records of all financial transactions of SBF.Responsibility for full and proper accounts and records of all financial transactions, and ensure payments are correctly made and properly authorised, and that adequate control is maintained over the assets and receipts of funds. Responsibility for submitting proper audited accounts to members.Appointment of auditor with approval of Board of Trustees.

Chairman: Mr. Peter Seah Members: Mr. Tony Chew Mr. Chua Thian Poh Mr. Bob Tan

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International Relations CommitteeThe committee oversees SBF’s efforts in developing and promoting trade and investment activities for Singapore companies. It takes charge of Singapore’s representation in international business bodies e.g. APEC and ASEAN Business Advisory Council, ASEAN-Chambers of Commerce and Industry, bilateral business councils such as the Malaysia-Singapore Business Council; and co-ordinating business requirements in FTA negotiations.

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The committee also oversees the development and promotion of bilateral and multilateral interaction between SBF and international business chambers/organisations to build goodwill and create a positive image for SBF. The committee leads SBF’s international relations marketing activities e.g. promotional visits to overseas countries and in receiving visiting delegations.

Chairman: Mr. Barry DeskerCo-Chairman: Mr. Koh Boon HweeMembers: Mr. Michael Cheok Mr. Philip Forrest Mr. Mark Hong Mr. Edwin Khew Mr. Freddy Lam Ms. Kristin Paulson Mr. V. K. Rajan Mr. Tan Seng Chye

SBF COMMITTEES

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Members Relations CommitteeThe Members Relations Committee oversees SBF’s work in building up close relationships with our member companies. The committee approves all voluntary membership applications, procedural programmes, and administrative issues pertaining to membership matters.

The committee is also tasked to develop close working relations with all the major chambers and business associations that are SBF’s constituent members so as to enhance the organisation of the business community in Singapore.

Chairman: Mr. Umar Abdul HamidMembers: Mr. Kwee Liong Keng Mr. Lawrence Leow Mr. Murugiah Rajaram Mr. Renato Silvio Sirtori Mr. Robert Yap

Commercial Ventures CommitteeThe Committee was set up to review, advise and make recommendations on commercial ventures relating to the core business of SBF that would be suitable for the Federation to invest or participate in.

Chairman: Mr. Edwin KhewMembers: Mr. Tony Chew Mr. Lawrence Leow Mr. Terry O’Connor

DIRECTORATEKoh Juan KiatExecutive Director

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONSGerald De CottaDirector

Rachael FongExecutive

GLOBAL BUSINESS DIVISION & MEMBER RELATIONS DIVISIONTeo Tat KhaiDeputy Executive Director

GLOBAL BUSINESS DIVISIONASEAN, China & North AsiaEdith CheongAssistant Executive Director

Boey Keng ChewDirector, China & North Asia Juliana GiamDeputy Director, ASEAN

Sebastian LoDeputy Director, ASEAN

Poh Ching KiongSenior Executive, ASEAN

Loong Lai YongExecutive, ASEAN

Sherly Executive, ASEAN

Ning LiExecutive, China & North Asia

Rafiliah RahimAssistant Executive

South AsiaSebastian LoDeputy Director, South Asia

Daniel ChongAssistant Director, South Asia

Americas, Middle East and Africa, Europe and OceaniaMartin YuoonDirector

Renee KohAssistant Director

George ChanExecutive

Gary SohExecutive

Koo Wei TingExecutive

Quek Shi YunExecutive

Claire LimAssistant Executive

MEMBER RELATIONS DIVISIONCheryl KongAssistant Executive Director

Mabel TangSenior Manager

Clariz AngManager

Siow Ching ChingManager

Cynthia WongExecutive

Daphne PhoaAssistant Executive

Ng Su LingAssistant Executive

Valerie LimAssistant Executive

Research and InformationNeo Ban LengExecutive

HR/IR Services DivisionKee Chia ChoonSenior Consultant

INDUSTRY AND ENTERPRISE DIVISION & CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISIONLim Chai BoonDeputy Executive Director

Enterprise DevelopmentJaime NgDirector

Peter LowManager

Eady NgAssistant Executive

Industry DevelopmentPatrick ChanDirector

Donny LimSenior Executive

EnterpriseOne Business Information ServicesSally LimManager

Omana Wuni MenonExecutive

Leong Syt IyeeSales and Marketing Associate

Lynn ChangSales and Marketing Associate

CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISIONFinancePhuah Chye WahManager

Jenny XuAccounts Assistant

Low Wai LingAccounts Assistant

Information TechnologyJohnny SongManager

Evon ChengExecutive (Web Design)

Joshline RajkumarAnalyst Programmer

Ken KooSystem Administrator

HR & AdminTan Hwee TingExecutive

Grace NgAssistant Executive

Bernice WongAssistant Executive

Ramlah Binte MohamedReceptionist cum Admin Assistant

Zainal Abidin Bin A. WahidDriver-cum-Office Assistant

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SBF Secretariat ( as at 31st December 2007 )

Our broad and diverse membership calls for us to organise a wide range of both generic and specific activities to meet the needs and aspirations of all members.

SBF organised 220 seminars, briefings, workshops, dialogue and business networking sessions in 2007, attracting over 22,000 participants from more than 7,000 active members.

Our key initiatives in 2007 included the launch of EnterpriseOne Business Information Services to help SMEs find better information on markets and industry trends, and the inauguration of the SBF Middle East Business Group, a business network to help local businesses tap into opportunities in the Middle East.

◗◗Major briefings on Budget 2007, National Wages Council Guidelines and Re-employment Legislation attracted large segments of our membership.

Launch of EnterpriseOne Business Information Services (2 August)

Launch of Middle East Business Group (26 March)

on the Home Front

tivitca i E s

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ACtIvItIES ON tHE HOME FRONt

Major briefings on Budget 2007, National Wages Council Guidelines and Re-employment Legislation attracted large segments of our membership, just as targeted events like our Mentorship programmes on branding, business continuity management and business finance catered to specific needs of our members.

Feature events such as Global Entrepolis@Singapore and ASEAN Business and Investment Summit for which SBF was host and co-organiser respectively enabled our members to network and forge ties with delegates from across Asia.

During the year, SBF received 43 visits from business delegations, business chambers, and government representatives from 25 countries keen to do business with Singapore companies.

Dialogue session on Budget 2008 (13 December)

Global Entrepolis @ Singapore 2007 (13 – 15 November)

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Business Outlook and 2007 singapore Budget Activities got off to an early start in January when SBF together with REACH (formerly known as the Feedback Unit) organised a dialogue session for members to provide feedback on their wish list for the 2007 Singapore Budget.

A post-Budget 2007 dialogue session held later in the month gathered feedback on issues relating to corporate tax for SMEs, GSt grants, CPF changes, rental cost and government allowances for businesses. the session was co-chaired by Mr Edwin Khew, newly Nominated Member of Parliament and SBF Council Member and Mr Koh Juan Kiat, the Executive Director of SBF.

SBF also organised a post-Budget briefing in March to explain to members the impact and implications of the new budget. the above three pre and post Budget sessions as well as a separate briefing on “Business Outlook 2007” attracted some 1,600 participants.

Dialogue session on Budget 2008 (13 December) Post-Budget dialogue session (23 February)

Government initiatives, Doing Business with Government and Private Equity Financing SBF teamed up with the Ministry of trade and Industry Singapore in January to brief some 100 members on government initiatives such as the Pro-Enterprise Panel (PEP), EnterpriseOne and the MarketInfo.sg portals that small and medium-sized enterprises could tap to assist their businesses.

In February, SBF invited speakers from the Defence Science & technology Agency to share with some 150 members the recent changes in government e-procurement policies, as well as initiatives aimed at making it easier for SMEs to do business with the Singapore government.

In March, SBF collaborated with SPRING Singapore and the Singapore venture Capital & Private Equity Association to enlighten members on the equity financing options available in the market, including angel/venture capital funding.

NWc Guidelines; Manpower Policy, issues and initiativesSeveral briefing and dialogue sessions were held during the year to keep SBF’s broad-based membership abreast of the current business issues and policies such as Funding Schemes for Employment & Re-Employment of Older Workers, changes to the Foreign Manpower Policy, the GSt rate change and its impact on businesses and the National Wages Council Guidelines for 2007/2008. these and other briefings on government policies, guidelines and initiatives enabled SBF to inform and engage more than 6,400 participants.

Feedback on Foreign Manpower Policy (23 July)

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trading seminarsDuring the year, several trading workshops on Incoterms 2000 and Understanding the UCP 600 Uniform Customs & Practice for Documentary Credits were conducted to update members on the latest international trading rules. Separately, SBF, as the national Secretariat of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Singapore organised a seminar in June on ICC Arbitration aimed at enhancing greater awareness amongst Singapore exporters, importers and the business community on international commercial arbitration and its importance as an option to resolving business disputes over commercial/business contracts.

Enterprise and industry Development■ EnterpriseOne Business information servicesIn response to feedback from members, SBF, in partnership with SPRING Singapore, International Enterprise Singapore and National Library Board launched EnterpriseOne Business Information Services (EBIS) to help SMEs leverage timely information on markets and industry trends to assist them to become more competitive, react faster and more accurately in making decisions to grow their businesses. EBIS services include industry updates and research reports, focused industry workshops, and access to business information resources through the guidance of dedicated Info-consultants. Launch of EnterpriseOne Business Information Services (2 August)

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■ Mentorship Programme, sME HelpDesk and Global sourcing HubSBF’s Mentorship Programme and SME-focused seminars continue to impart useful business skills and know-hows in areas such as branding, business finance and business continuity management. these, together with SBF’s SME HelpDesk and Markets Advisory Services, SBF Global Sourcing Hub and Enterprise Promotion@SBF Display Centre have assisted more than 600 members. SBF Mentorship Programme – B2B Branding (17 September)

SBF Mentorship Programme – Tri-tactics to create a well-known brand, Mandarin workshop (7 June)Enterprise Promotion@SBF Display Centre

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■ industry Development initiativesIndustry Development activities included the inaugural Clean Energy Conference in August jointly organised with the Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore to discuss green concerns and the business opportunities arising out of this fast emerging sector. Follow-up activities included monthly industry informal networking sessions, as well as the inauguration of a Clean Energy and Sustainable Development Industry Survey and Directory Listing of the sector’s members.

A Franchising Industry Survey conducted in partnership with the Franchising and Licensing Association of Singapore in August uncovered that more companies are looking to franchising as an option for

overseas expansion. the survey lays the groundwork for the facilitation of expertise, business matching, government incentive schemes, and access to franchise markets in 2008.

Members of SBF’s Young Business Leaders Forum, an initiative to nurture the next generation of business leaders, participated in the Europe-Asia Young Leaders Forum in Prague in July, the Asia 21 Young Leaders Summit by the Asia Society in October, and a networking session with Young Indians (YI) from the Confederation of Indian Industries. YBF also jointly organised a Ministerial Dialogue with Mr. Lim Swee Say, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office & Secretary-General of NtUC, which helped some 70 members understand macro issues of manpower and employment from a national perspective.

Young Business Leaders Forum 1st Anniversary Dinner (22 October)

Young Business Leaders Forum Networking Session with Young Indians (8 October)

Renewable Energy Workshop (28 August)

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Business Forums, Networking and Business-matching OpportunitiesA slew of business information forums, networking and business-matching sessions were conducted during the year including those coinciding with visiting business delegations from Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovinia, turkey, Egypt, Korea, China, the Philippines and Malaysia. Participants benefited from up-to-date information of the business environment and opportunities in these markets. A key initiative was the inauguration of the SBF Middle East Business Group to strengthen lingkages and the flow of business between Singapore and the Middle East.

Other market-related activities included a European Commission talk on “trading with the EU as a Single Market” and a Pre-FtA Feedback session in March that focused on China and the Gulf Co-Operation Countries.

Egypt Roundtable (5 April)

Investment Opportunities in Sabah Seminar (9 February)

Business Matching Session with Korean companies (26 October)

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Feature Events Global Entrepoils @ singapore (GEs) 2007 SBF co-presented GES for the fourth consecutive year, providing members, the local business community and visiting delegates from overseas the opportunity to network and discuss potential deals. SBF organised four seminars at GES which focused on doing business in Egypt, Oman, vietnam and the Batam, Bintan and Karimun Special Economic Zone. thirty SBF members took booth spaces to display their products and services at the SBF Pavilion at the adjoining GES Enterprise Exchange exhibition.

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Global Entrepolis @ Singapore 2007 (13 – 15 November)


asEaN Business & investment summit SBF hosted and co-organised the 2007 ASEAN Business and Investment Summit and the inaugural ASEAN Business Awards in November. SBF is the secretariat for Singapore’s representatives to the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, and SBF Council Member, Robert Yap is the Chairman of the Summit’s organising committee. the Summit which featured presentations and panel discussions with prominent Asian captains of industry as well as a special dialogue session with several ASEAN Economic Ministers attracted close to 800 local and ASEAN/Asian delegates.

icc Banking commission Meeting the ICC Banking Commission Meeting jointly organised by the International Chamber of Commerce and the Singapore Business Federation was a first for Singapore, and represented a concerted effort to engage and invite greater participation from ICC Asian partners, like Singapore, in the Commission’s meetings. the event was attended by 200 bankers, lawyers and consultants from 40 countries.

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ICC Banking Commission Meeting (24 -25 April)ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (16 – 18 November)

In 2007, SBF received 43 visiting delegations from 25 countries and led 12 missions to 13 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Latin America.

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Networking, Visits and Missions

SEnISuB S

◗◗SBF-led missions provided participating members a first hand feel of the business environment and the opportunities that these developing economies present.

Saudi-Singapore Business Seminar (20 November)

Business Mission to North Korea (12 – 20 October)

In 2007, SBF received 43 visits from business delegations, business chambers, and government officials from 25 countries. Close to 30 of these visits resulted in business information forums, business-matching and/or dialogue sessions benefiting more than 3,500 members of the local business community.

SBF led 12 missions to 13 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Latin America, including the China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, China. These missions provided participating members a first hand feel of the business environment and the opportunities that these developing economies present.

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ASEAn■ MalaysiaThe annual Business Opportunities in Malaysia conference was held in August in collaboration with Malaysian trade agencies MITI, MIDA, and Matrade. The conference, helmed by Dato Rafidah Aziz, Minister of International Trade & Development, updated some 1,200 participants on the Iskandar Development Region (IDR), the Northern Economic Corridor Development, as well as incentives for foreign investors. The business community also had the opportunity to engage in an interactive dialogue session with Minister Rafidah and participated in a business-matching session with their counterparts from Malaysia. During the year, SBF also hosted business delegations from Sabah, Selangor and the Johor IDR, and organised two business familiarisation visits to the Johor IDR. These activities collectively benefited close to 190 participants.

■ IndonesiaSBF organised a seminar on the business outlook and financing opportunities in Indonesia with specific focus on the Batam, Bintan and Karimun Special Economic Zone in November. This was preceded by a business study mission there in March and a Bintan Industrial Estate investment seminar in December. These activities enabled our members

Business Study Trips to Johor IDR (12 & 20 September)

to get the latest update on the business environment and provided good networking opportunities.

■ The Philippines and VietnamA seminar on Investing in The Philippines: Legal & Regulatory Framework Governing Foreign Direct Investments was held in August together with the Philippines Board of Investments, whilst two investment seminars on Vietnam were organised in April and November with a focus on opportunities, challenges and internationalisation strategies to engage that market.

Business Study Trip to Batam, Bintan and Karimun (30 March)

Investing in Philippines Seminar (17 August)

Seminar on Vietnam: The Next Big Thing (13 April)

BuSINESS NETwORKING, VISITS AND MISSIONS

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norTh ASIA ■ ChinaBusiness MissionsSBF, with the support of Singapore’s Ministry of Trade & Industry and IE Singapore, organized a business mission to Jiangxi and Henan, in conjunction with the 2nd Central China Expo in April. The 27 delegates from 20 companies and organisations were briefed on the emerging business opportunities in Central China and benefited from the networking and interaction with senior officials and businessmen from the provinces of Henan and Hubei.

SBF was appointed by the Ministry of Trade and Industry to organise Singapore’s participation at the 4th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) in Nanning in October. Aside from the Singapore Pavilion, SBF arranged for a group of 12 companies to take up 16 product booths at CAEXPO’s Product Hall. Several of our exhibitors clinched deals of about $3 million, whilst other

leads are being followed-up. Close to 60 Singapore delegates participated in this year’s CAEXPO.

Seminars, Visits & networking SessionsSBF supported the Yantai, Changzhou and China Dongguan Investment Promotion Seminar in April 2007 which provided 560 participants with insights into the investment opportunities in these states. SBF also hosted a business networking session with a business delegation from Macao in April, at which SBF Deputy Chairman Mr. Kwek Leng Joo signed an MOu of cooperation with the Macao Chamber of Commerce.

In May, SBF received a business delegation led by the Party Secretary for Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region to boost investment and tourism exchanges between Singapore and Guangxi and to promote CAEXPO 2007 to the Singapore business community. A business forum held as part of the visit benefited some 100 SBF members who were enlightened on partnerships with China enterprises.

During the year, SBF received visits from business and official delegations from Guanxi, Henan, Dalian, Jiangxi, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Shenyang, Hubei, Shandong, Daklak, as well as a visit from the new CCPIT Chief Representative Mr Zhang Xiao Li who were here to boost trade, investment and partnerships between China and Singapore.

4TH China-ASEAN Expo (28 October – 1 November)

Signing of MOU with Macao Chamber of Commerce (13 April)

Business Mission to Jiangxi and Henan (22 – 28 April)


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■ Korea5th Korea-Singapore Business roundtable This event was co-chaired by Mr. Stephen Lee, Chairman, SBF and Dr. Lee Hee-Beom, Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association in December. Its aim was to foster closer trade and economic relations between companies from both sides. Some 83 Singapore and Korean representatives discussed business opportunities arising from the Korea-Singapore and Korea-ASEAN Free Trade Agreements, as well as prospects in conventions & exhibitions, E-business, bio-technology and logistics.

Separately, the Chairman of SBF was conferred the prestigious Trade Day Award Silver Tower Medal by the Korean Ambassador on behalf of the President of the Republic of Korea in recognition for his contributions to the development of bilateral economic and trade relations between the two countries.

3rd Korea-Singapore Logistics Council MeetingThe meeting held in Singapore in December witnessed the signing of an agreement on future cooperation to promote closer bilateral logistics cooperation in training, supply chain management and joint investments in third countries. Some 34 Singapore and Korean logistics service providers, port operators, logistics associations and training institutions participated in the meeting.

In July, SBF and the Logistics Institute Asia – Asia Pacific organised a short term training programme on advanced logistics methods for 18 participants from the Korea International Logistics Council. This was preceded by a business conference on bridging partnerships between Korea and Singapore which provided some 300 participants with measured insights on Korean-Singapore partnerships.

Business Mission to north KoreaIn October, SBF coordinated a mission to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which was led by Ex-Minister & Ambassador Lee Khoon Choy. The mission was aimed at uncovering the potential of this largely untapped market and for delegates to network and explore business opportunities with specific Korean companies. The majority of delegates felt that the mission had generated useful business contacts, whilst potential partnerships / joint ventures were also identified.

3rd Korea-Singapore Logistics Council Meeting (5 December)

5th Korea-Singapore Business Roundtable (5 December)

Business Mission to North Korea (12 – 20 October)


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SouTh ASIA Business MissionsSBF led business missions to Mumbai and Coimbatore in January and October respectively to explore business opportunities in property development & construction, manufacturing, trading, lifestyle and textile and fashion sectors. Delegates were able to establish useful contacts with government and business leaders, and participated in targeted business-matching and networking sessions with key industry players. Delegates on the Mumbai mission also participated in the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Partnership Summit 2007 in Bangalore which was attended by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, George Yeo.

Forums, Dialogue & networking SessionsSBF partnered the Institute of South Asian Studies and the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry in October in a conference on Socio-Political & Economic Challenges for South Asia to update participants on the socio-economic and political issues and strategic developments in South Asia, linkages between India and China and India-uS relationship.

SBF hosted a delegation from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in April and jointly organised an interactive workshop on real estate and infrastructure construction. The workshop provided 42 participants with insights into real estate opportunities in India, and an understanding of Indian developers’ perspective on collaborating with foreign firms.

Besides the Singapore–India Partnership Foundation Annual General Meeting in March, SBF also participated in networking sessions with the visiting business delegation from Meghalaya in February; the Director-General of CII in June, and CII’s Young Indians delegation in October to renew and update ties, discuss future directions and new areas of cooperation.

A dialogue cum luncheon session with the visiting Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama in June saw some 80 participants benefiting from a frank exchange on Sri Lanka’s foreign policy and its impact on the economy and business environment. SBF members also participated in a meeting cum dialogue session with the Sri Lankan Minister for State Engineering & Construction, Rajitha Senaratne in July who was here to follow up with Singapore companies involved in projects in Sri Lanka.

FICCI Interactive Workshop on Real Estate and Infrastructure Construction (2 April)


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MIDDLE EAST & norTh AFrICASBF consolidated its focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in 2007 with the formation of the Middle East Business Group plus a slew of 15 other events including two missions to two MENA countries as well as business information forums, dialogue, networking and business-matching sessions for 14 visiting delegations from the region.

Launch of Middle East Business Group (MEBG)Launched in March 2007 by Singapore Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and His Highness Shaikh Salman Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince of Kingdom of Bahrain, the MEBG is a business circle that aims to grow and strengthen business linkages between business chambers and companies from Singapore and the Middle East. SBF MEBG has close to 300 members and endeavours to be the premier representative of the business community’s interest in the MENA region, helping to facilitate trade and business opportunities between Singapore and MENA-based companies. These activities collectively benefited more than 1500 participants, and the total business value of sales and projects attributed to these events were over S$250 million.

Championed Business Ties with north AfricaAs the leading chamber spear-heading the internationalisation into North Africa, SBF’s initiative of identifying new frontiers have helped companies to open up other windows of opportunity aside from their traditional markets. Through SBF’s facilitation and assistance, the Tunisian government is now considering setting up a business centre in Singapore, following a mission there in April 2006.

Business Mission to Morocco and LibyaSBF led business missions to Morocco and Libya in January and May respectively to give delegates a first hand view of the business climate and opportunities in these two markets.

The business delegation which accompanied Senior Minister Goh on his visit to Morocco were from the ICT, commodities, real estate, property development, and engineering sectors. More than 100 participants from varied Moroccan businesses participated in a business matching session with our delegates and witnessed the signing of an MOu between SBF and its Moroccan counterpart.

SBF’s inaugural mission to Libya was in conjunction with the official visit by Foreign Minister George Yeo to

Launch of Middle East Business Group (26 March)

Business Mission to Morocco (8 -13 January)

Business Mission to Libya (18 - 23 May)


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the country. It enabled delegates to understand the business conditions, state of economic development and opportunities in this energy-rich market, recently opened to the world after years of sanctions.

Aside from North Africa, efforts were also made to connect with other African markets. SBF led missions to South Africa, Namibia and Botswana in April and to Nigeria in July. Both missions yielded fruitful results; awareness of the Singapore brand name was heightened, and delegates were able to garner useful contacts and deals worth close to $70 million.

Consolidated Linkages with the Middle EastTies with Gulf Cooperation Council and other countries in the Middle East were consolidated in 2008 via several bi-lateral initiatives.

The second meeting in Singapore of the Saudi-Singapore Business Council (SSBC) between the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industries (CSCCI) and SBF, focused on collaboration in possible projects, as well as a review of common problems faced by Saudi and Singapore companies. A Saudi Arabia-Singapore Trade & Investment Business Forum and business matching session held in parallel to the SSBC meeting enabled

some 100 members of the local business community an opportunity to be acquainted with prominent Saudi business representatives on trade and joint investment opportunities.

In December, SBF organised a high-level business dialogue for some 50 members of the Singapore business community with the visiting Deputy Prime Minister, Sultanate of Oman, H.H. Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al-Said and an accompanying business delegation. The meeting which showcased specific areas of potential collaboration in finance, oil and gas, education, and tourism services, was also a useful platform for our businessmen to feedback their interests to the Omani government.

Business forums on Turkey and Egypt and Oman were also held during the year in collaboration with business chamber and government agency representatives from these countries to update some 220 members of the local business community on the latest developments and opportunities in these markets.

Business Mission to South Africa, Namibia and Botswana (18 April - 2 May)

Business Mission to Nigeria (23 – 27 July)

Saudi-Singapore Business Seminar (20 November)


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EuroPE, ThE AMErICAS & CEnTrAL ASIA■ EuropeIn 2007, SBF made further inroads in forging exchanges with countries in the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region with missions to Hungary and Poland, and organised business forums and business-matching sessions for visiting delegations from ukraine, Romania and Bosnia-Herzegovina. This extends SBF’s reach which currently includes other CEE markets such as the Czech Republic, Slovak Republic and Lithuania. The above activities benefited some 510 participants from the Singapore business community.

Business Mission to hungary and PolandThe mission, which took place in October, was in conjunction with the official visit by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to Hungary. The 32-strong delegation, led by Mr. Stephen Lee, Chairman of Singapore Business Federation, comprised senior representatives from diverse industries including transport & logistics, ICT, retail, financial services, property and healthcare. SBF took the opportunity to profile and market the Singapore brand name and Singapore companies’ products and services to Hungarian and Polish businesses. The mission helped participating Singapore companies engage some 150 key business contacts, and generated S$11 million worth of business.

Business Mission to Hungary and Poland (8 - 11 October)


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Visits, Seminars and Business-Matching SessionsThe ukraine National Committee (uNC) of International Chamber of Commerce led a 20-strong business delegation to Singapore in June comprising chamber representatives, investment officers and industry representatives from national holding companies representing the chemicals, insurance, retail, business services and trade sectors to discuss business opportunities with 50 local businessmen. This was preceded by the visit of another business delegation in January which attracted some 30 Singapore participants, mainly exporters and traders, to the networking session.

SBF hosted two visiting Romanian delegations in October and November and one from Bosnia-Herzegovina

representing various industry sectors including energy, oil and gas, financial, materials, retail, ICT and manufacturing here to network, explore trade opportunities and partnerships with Singapore companies.

SBF and the European Commission to Singapore organised a talk in March titled “Trading with the Eu as a Single Market” to enlighten how Singapore companies can penetrate this huge market. Separately, in November, SBF and the European Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (EuroCham) organised a seminar on “Promoting Business Opportunities between Europe and Singapore which focused on fostering two-way business opportunities. These two seminars benefited some 160 local participants from various business sectors.

◗◗The business mission to Hungary and Poland helped participating Singapore companies engage some 150 key business contacts, and generated S$11 million worth of business.

Ukraine Seminar and Business-Matching Session (2 - 4 Jun)

“Promoting Business Opportunities between Europe and Singapore” seminar (15 November)


Romania Seminar and Networking Event (23 November)

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■ Central Asia SBF’s engagement of markets in Central Asia opens another window of opportunity for Singapore companies wishing to trade and explore business projects there.

SBF organised its first ever business mission to Kazakhstan and uzbekistan in September. The 16-member delegation had briefing sessions with key Kazakh economic ministries, agencies and the business chamber. In uzbekistan, the uzbekistan-Singapore Business Forum organised by the uzbek Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations saw a series of important presentations by key government departments highlighting potential sectors and projects for participation by Singapore companies. A business matching session and visit to companies were also arranged for our delegates.

uzbekistan-Singapore Business Forum 2007In conjunction with the visit in January by H.E. Islam Karimov, President of uzbekistan, and accompanying business delegation, SBF organised a business forum and networking session attended by more than 200 Singaporean businesses from diverse industries. The forum witnessed the signing of five business MOus involving Singapore companies, covering projects from special economic zones development, oil & gas trading, ICT,

to textile manufacturing. SBF and the uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry also inked a cooperation agreement on exchange of business information, business opportunities and technological and industrial cooperation and the promotion of bilateral business development.

Business Mission to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan (16 – 25 September)

Uzbekistan-Singapore Business Forum (25 January)


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■ The AmericasSBF led a business mission to Brazil in April to provide delegates with a first-hand update of overall market environment and emerging sectors, as well as to establish useful business and official contacts. The delegation visited Sao Paulo and Porto Alegre, attended business matching sessions and briefings on taxation and doing business in Brazil. A total of eight delegates from the electronics, food and beverage, steel and industrial components industries participated in the mission. They came from electronics, food and beverage, steel, industrial components

industries. This mission is expected to generate sales proceeds of S$12 million over a 10-month period.

SBF conducted a post-mission information session on Brazil in August to share with some 40 participants the learning experiences of the mission in April. Brazilian Ambassador H.E. Paulo Alberto da Silveria Soares gave a comprehensive briefing on doing business in Brazil, and participants were advised to focus on key sectors including renewable energy, biotechnology, info-technology and consumer products.

Business Mission to Brazil (14 – 21 April)

Post-mission information session on Brazil (31 August)


ACTIVITIES ON THE HOME FRONT

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Internationally, SBF represents the Singapore business community in bilateral, regional and multilateral fora for the purpose of trade expansion and business networking.

BILATERAL/INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

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Bilateral/International

oITALEr n S

2007 ASEAn Business and Investment Summit (ASEAn-BIS) and ASEAn Business Awards (ABA)

SBF hosted and co-organised the 2007 ASEAN Business and Investment Summit and the inaugural ASEAN Business Awards in November. SBF is the secretariat for Singapore’s representatives to the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC). Singapore’s ASEAN-BAC representative and SBF Council Member, Robert Yap was the Chairman of the Summit’s organising committee.

ASEAN-BIS – a platform for public-private sector dialogue – which was opened by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong attracted close to 1,000 local and ASEAN/Asian delegates. The program involved top-level representation by ASEAN Leaders, presentations and panel discussions with prominent Asian captains of industry and ASEAN Eminent Persons, as well as a special dialogue session with several ASEAN Economic Ministers.

◗◗ASEAN-BIS – a platform for public-private sector dialogue – which was opened by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong attracted close to 1,000 local and ASEAN/Asian delegates.

ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (16 – 18 November)

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The inaugural ASEAN Business Awards, held as part of the ASEAN Business Summit saw four ASEAN companies (two from Singapore and one each from The Philippines and Indonesia) being recognised for growth, employment, innovation and corporate social responsibility in ASEAN. The aim of the awards, which is slated to be an annual affair, is to identify successful ASEAN companies which have the potential to make their mark on the global stage to serve as role models for their peers.

13th ASEAn SummitFollowing the ASEAN-BIS, the ASEAN-BAC Dialogue with ASEAN Heads of State during the 13th ASEAN Summit saw the Council submitting to the ASEAN Leaders its report on progress to-date on the ASEAN Green Lane, alternative energy resources and franchising initiatives.

Malaysia-Singapore Business Council The 4th Malaysia-Singapore Business Council Meeting in January discussed various business issues including the green lane initiative which would provide invaluable benefits for members as it would hasten two-way transactions and reduce business costs.

Saudi-Singapore Business CouncilThe second meeting in Singapore of the Saudi-Singapore Business Council (SSBC) between the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industries (CSCCI) and SBF, focused on collaboration in possible projects, as well as a review of common problems faced by Saudi and Singapore companies.

APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC)As Singapore’s apex business chamber, SBF provides secretariat support for the three nominated members who represent Singapore on the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). ABAC, the private sector arm


Saudi-Singapore Business Council Meeting(21 November)

ASEAN Business Awards (18 November)

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of Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC), serves as a permanent forum to advise APEC officials on the role of the private sector in the broader pursuit of open trade and investment in the Asia Pacific. In 2007, ABAC sought to make headway in wTO negotiations, and firm up action plans for regional trade arrangements and free trade agreements.

International Chambers of Commerce (ICC) Banking Commission MeetingSBF and the ICC hosted the spring session of the Commission on Banking Technique and Practice meeting in April attended by more than 200 bankers, lawyers and consultants from 40 countries. The meeting, the first to be held in Singapore is a concerted effort to engage and invite greater participation from ICC’s Asian partners like Singapore in the Commission’s meetings and deliberations. Key topics discussed included the uniform Customs and Practice 600, Demand Guarantees and Islamic Banking. SBF is one of 130 National Committees of ICC worldwide, and the Banking Commission is one of 15 Commissions that shape ICC’s public stance on a variety of global business issues.


ICC Banking Commission Meeting (24-25 April)

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List of 2007

TiViTCA i E S

Seminars/ Dialogue Sessions/ Workshops organised by SBFJanuary

Pre- (Singapore) Budget 2007 Dialogue Session Workshop on Incoterms 2000 SBF Mentorship Programme: B2B Brand Building - Mindshare Workshop On Letters Of Credit – An in-depth understanding for Importers & Exporters Workshop on Fair Employment PracticesSingapore Compact for CSR: CSR Evening & Year Review Uzbekistan-Singapore Business Forum 2007Seminar on Key Government Initiatives for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

FebruarySBF Mentorship Programme: B2B Brand Building – Mindshare2007 EXPO Central China Promotion Seminar Seminar: Opportunities for Entrepreneurs & SMEs in the Globalised World in the 21st Century

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HRM Workshop: Termination And Dismissal IssuesSeminar on China Law UpdatesInvesting Opportunities in East Malaysia – SabahMembers’ Feedback on Singapore Budget 2007 Workshop On Letters Of Credit: An in-depth understanding for Importers & ExportersBriefing on Funding Schemes for Employment & Re-Employment of Older WorkersSeminar on Doing Business with the Singapore Government

MarchSBF Young Business Leaders Federation Chinese New Year get-togetherLuncheon Talk: Trading with the EU as a Single Market Brazil Business Outlook 2007Briefing on Singapore Budget 2007Luncheon Dialogue with Industry Experts on The Viability and Benefits of Employing People with DisabilitiesClinic on Managing HIV / AIDS at the Workplace

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Workshop On Letters Of Credit Export Documentation - Compliance with UCP500 (with UCP 600 updates) & ISBP 2003SBF Mentorship Programme: Corporate Finance Strategies For Business OwnersEmployment Relations/Legislation Workshop Series - Managing Human Resources In Small & Medium Size-Industries (SMEs)Workshop On Privatisation Projects & Other Business Opportunities In TurkeyEmployment Relations/Legislation Workshop Series - Termination And Dismissal IssuesLaunch of Middle East Business Group (MEBG)Orientation Briefing for new SBF membersASEAN (Singapore) - China FTA BriefingEmployment Relations/Legislation Workshop Series - Restructuring Of Companies & Transfer Of Employment Seminar: Bridging Partnerships Between Korea And Singapore

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AprilWorkshop on Incoterms 2000SBF Mentorship Programme: Build Influential Brands with the Successful “3 Elements Strategies”Seminar on Resolving Cross Border DisputesBriefing on Foreign Manpower PolicySeminar on Vietnam: The Next Big ThingWorkshop: Case-Studies on Pitfalls, Tricks & Traps In Letters of Credit TransactionsHRM Workshop: Employment Contract Issues2nd Briefing on Funding Schemes for Employment & Re-Employment of Older WorkersHRM Workshop: Discipline Handling at the WorkplaceEgypt-Singapore Business Forum 2007 - Investment Climate in EgyptHRM Workshop: Understanding The Singapore Employment Act & Its Key ProvisionsSeminar on Understanding the UCP 600 - A presentation by the UCP 600 Drafting GroupSeminar: Optimizing Guarantee Practice with the ICC’s Uniform Rules for Demand Guarantees (URDG) - Presented by Georges Affaki and members of ICC’s Task Force on Guarantees

MaySBF Mentorship Programme: Build Influential Brands with the Successful “3 Elements Strategies”

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SBF Workshop on Understanding The New UCP 600 Uniform Customs & Practice for Documentary Credits - ICC July 2007 RevisionSeminar on Reporting of Annual Accounts in extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL)SBF Workshop on Letters of Credit: An in-depth understanding for Importers & ExportersBriefing: Tripartite Committee’s Final Report on Employability of Older WorkersBriefing on the Goods and Services Tax (GST)Guangxi - Singapore Trade & Investment Cooperation Conference cum 4th China-ASEAN ExpoJoint SBF-SNEF Briefing on National Wages Council Guidelines For 2007/2008Seminar on India Regulatory Compliances & Tax EnvironmentSeminar on Franchising, Licensing & Branding - Business Strategies to bring your company to the next level

JuneBusiness Opportunities in Ukraine Seminar & Business Matching SessionWorkshop on Incoterms 2000Kuwait Prime Minister’s Cocktail Reception2nd Briefing on Goods and Services Tax ( GST )Workshop on Understanding the New UCP 600

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Briefing cum Dialogue on Merger Regime Under Competitions ActSeminar on Investing in Malaysia - The South Johor Economic RegionSeminar on Managing HR in SMEsTermination & Dismissal Issues WorkshopSeminar on ICC Arbitration - Resolving International Business Disputes out of CourtWorkshop on Wage Flexibility Through the Monthly Variable Component ( MVC )Workshop on Employment Law in IndiaInvestment CEOs Roundtable 1 - Opportunities and Market Outlook in association with Distinguished Alumni Business Leaders Forum

JulySBF Workshop on Letters of Credit - An in-depth understanding for Importers & ExportersBriefing on Singapore Financial Reporting Standard UpdatesB2B Brand-Storming Workshop - “Why Won’t the Big Boys Buy from You?”Briefing on Company’s Tax Obligations & Completion of Form C For YA 2007Briefing on Enhanced Funding Schemes for Employment & Re-Employment of Older WorkersSBF Workshop on Incoterms 2000Workshop on Termination and Dismissal IssuesWorkshop on Employment Contract Issues

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Feedback On Foreign Manpower Policy - Cleaning & Environmental Management IndustryWorkshop on Understanding the Singapore Employment Act & its Key ProvisionsSBF Workshop on Understanding the UCP 600 & ISBP 2007 Seminar on SPAM Control Act

AugustSeminar: Clean Energy & Sustainable Development- Opportunities for Singapore Companies & BusinessesSBF Mentorship Programme - Business Continuity Management - TR19SBF Workshop on Incoterms 2000SBF Seminar on India Withholding Tax (with special focus on India-Singapore Double Tax Agreement)SBF Post-Mission Information Series: Spotlight on Doing Business in South AfricaInvesting in Philippines - Legal & Regulatory Framework Governing Foreign Direct InvestmentsSBF Mentorship Programme - Valuation For BusinessesBriefing on Medical Insurance for Foreign Workers and Work Holiday ProgrammeWorkshop on Managing Performance Appraisal at the WorkplaceWorkshop On China New Employment Law & Taxation Planning

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Workshop on Discipline Handling at the WorkplaceSeminar & Dialogue Session - “Business Opportunities in Malaysia”Business Opportunities In Malaysia - Penang Hospitality SuiteWorkshop on Renewable Energy and Recovering of Energy in Architecture & ConstructionClean Energy & Sustainable Industry - Informal Business Networking SessionWorkshop on Case-Studies on Pitfalls, Tricks & Traps in Letters of Credit TransactionsSBF Post-Mission Information Series: Spotlight on Doing Business in Brazil

SeptemberBusiness Continuity Management: When All Else Fails, BCM Can Save YouIndustry Briefing on Cross Border Currency/ Bearer Negotiable Instruments Reporting RegimeSBF Mentorship Programme - Developing Financial & Business Master PlanInformation Resources For Medical Devices And Pharmaceuticals IndustriesSME Financial Forum: How to Improve Your Corporate FinanceBusiness Study Visit to the Iskandar Development Region (IDR) – Nusajaya

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Distinguished Lecture 2007 “The Real Purpose of Industrial Organizations” Mr B Muthuraman, Managing Director of Tata Steel & UN Global Compact Board MemberBriefing on Article 95 Reservation of United Nations Convention on Contract for the International Sale of GoodsSBF Mentorship Programme: B2B Branding Strategies for The Business Owner & Senior ManagersHRM Workshop: Managing Human Resources In Small & Medium Size - Industries (SMEs)Clean Energy & Sustainable Industry - Informal Business Networking SessionWorkshop on International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS)Seminar on Trade And Investment Opportunities in North SumatraHRM Workshop: Termination and Dismissal IssuesSBF Workshop on Letters of Credit - An in-depth understanding for Importers & ExportersSingapore Tripartism Forum: “Helping Singaporeans Work Longer”Briefing on How to Tap into the Open Door Fund to employ persons with DisabilitiesHRM Workshop: Restructuring of Companies & Transfer of EmploymentBriefing on Auto-Inclusion Scheme for Employment Income

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Seminar on Understanding Commercial ContractsSBF Workshop on Letters of Credit - An in-depth understanding for Importers & ExportersBriefing: Information Resources for Business Environment Scanning of Gulf Cooperation Council StatesBriefing on Auto-Inclusion Scheme for Employment Income (3rd Run)

NovemberSBF Young Business Leaders Forum Ministerial DialogueCEO Academy Series: Business Continuity Management - What do I need to know and do to get my organisation ready?Workshop on Incoterms 2000Briefing on (1) Update on Portable Medical Benefits for Older Workers & (2) 2nd Update on National Medical Insurance for Foreign WorkersPromoting your products and services at the SBF Pavilion at the Global Entrepolis @ Singapore 2007Business Outlook and Financing Opportunities for Investors in Indonesia - with focus on the Batam, Bintan, and Karimun Special Economic ZoneAsian Titan trends 2007 - Building Extraordinary Enterprises and Exploiting Emerging OpportunitiesSeminar: MENA - Building for the Future: Focus on Oman and EgyptHead To Vietnam Seminar: Investment Opportunities for Singapore Companies

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Seminar on Promoting Business Opportunities Between Europe and SingaporeSeminar on “Doing Business in Bosnia and Herzegovina”ASEAN Business & Investment Summit, Singapore 20079th Tripartite IR Seminar 2007 “Strengthening Tripartism for a Competitive & Inclusive Workforce”SME Financial Series: Increasing value through Strategic Financial ManagementSaudi Arabia-Singapore Trade & Investment Seminar & Business-Matching SessionSeminar on Directors’ Duties & LiabilitiesHRM Workshop: Managing performance appraisal at the workplaceClean Development Mechanism (CDM) WorkshopSeminar on Business Opportunities in Romania & Business-Matching SessionHRM Workshop: Designing & Planning employee benefitsHRM Workshop: Discipline handling at the workplace

DecemberEBIS Forum: A place to acquaint, network and collaborate, RFID - Is it for you?Post-Mission Information Series: Spotlight on doing business in Hungary and PolandWorkshop on China New Employment Contract Law (ECL)

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OctoberLunch Talk: Meet the Financial TimesSBF Workshop on Incoterms 2000Re-employment Legislation - How will you be affected? - Insights into Japan’s Re-employment Legislation: Re-employing Retired Workers - Challenges & Experiences of Companies in JapanSeminar: Scaling the Summit for Singapore Infocommunications IndustryInvestment CEOs Forum - in association with Distinguished Alumni Business Leaders ForumSeminar for the Trading SectorSBF Workshop on Letters of Credit - An in-depth understanding for Importers & ExportersSBF-FLA Franchise Industry Insights SeminarClean Energy & Sustainable Industry - Informal Business Networking SessionHRM Workshop on Understanding the Singapore Employment Act & its Key ProvisionsHRM Workshop on Workforce Streamlining, Redundancy & Retrenchment IssuesBriefing on Cross Border Currency / Bearer Negotiable Instruments Reporting RegimeHRM Workshop on Employment Contract IssuesBusiness Matching Session With Korean Companies

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Annual Report 2007


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5th Korea-Singapore Business Roundtable: Connecting the Korea-Singapore business partnershipClean Energy & Sustainable Development: Industry Informal Business Networking SessionRussia Trade & Investment Seminar & Business - Matching SessionBintan Industrial Estate (BIE) Investment SeminarBriefing: Information resources for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions & ExhibitionsBriefing on New Package of Foreign Workforce Measures (Unveiled by Ministry of Manpower on 28 Nov 2007)Dialogue Session on Singapore Budget 2008Seminar: Selangor- The Investors’ Choice Business & Investment Opportunities for Companies in Singapore

Visits Hosted by SBFJanuary

Director- General of Guangxi Dept of Commerce in connection with China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) 2007His Excellency Elyor Ganiev, Minister of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade, Uzbekistan and business delegationBusiness Delegation from Ukraine

FebruaryMr. Abdul Rahman Al-Jeraisy, Chairman of the Riyadh Chamber of

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CommerceBusiness delegation from IraqMinister from the Ministry of Industry Development of Sabah, East Malaysia, Datuk Dr. Ewon Ebi and business delegation

MarchGovernment delegation from Rwanda Business Roundtable with Senior Government Officials of JeddahVice Governor, Henan Province, China, Mr Shi JichunMayor of Dalian Municipality, China, Mr Xia DerenNetworking Luncheon with Ambassadors from the EU Countries

AprilDelegation from Hanoi Business AssociationBusiness delegation from MacaoMeeting with ASEAN Business Awards Committee MembersMayor, Jiujiang, China, Mr Wang PingSecretary-General of Communist Party of China (CPC) Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Mr. Liu Qibao and business delegation

MayDelegation from Hanoi Business AssociationMeeting with ASEAN Business Awards Committee Members

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JuneBusiness delegation from Guangdong and Shenzhen, ChinaBusiness delegation from KuwaitGuangxi Sub-council of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Chief Representative, Mr Zhang XiaoliHigh Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency Pundit Maniedeo PersadDeputy Minister of Economy, Ukraine, Ms Natalia Boitsun

JulyBusiness delegation from the Northern CapeBusiness delegation from Shenyang Municipal Bureau of Foreign Trade & Economic Cooperation, ChinaEthiopian Ambassador, His Excellency Hailekiros GessesseAmbassador of Republic of Angola, Africa, His Excellency Flavio Saraiva de Carvalho Fonseca

AugustHubei Vice Governor, China, Li Chun MingHigh Commissioner of South Africa, Her Excellency Zanele MakinaBrazilian Ambassador, His Excellency Paulo Alberto da Silveria Soares

SeptemberBusiness delegation from Zhao Yuan City Shandong

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Business delegation from Provincial People’s Committee of Daklak, Trade and Tourism Promotion Centre, Trade Department and DPI of Daklak province, VietnamDeputy Mayor of Heze City, Shandong, Mr Li Fu Hong and his business delegationDirector, Seoul Business Agency, Mr. Ik-Soo Jung

OctoberBusiness delegation from Romania led by Romanian Ministry of Economy and FinanceBusiness delegation from Shangrao City, Jiangxi, ChinaBusiness delegation from Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, ChinaDelegation from Dubai Silicon Oasis AuthorityDeputy Mayor, Chaoyang Municipal Government, Liaoning, China, Mr Peng Chengqiang,

NovemberBusiness delegation led by Vice Chairman of CCPIT, Wang JinzhenBusiness delegation from the Saudi Chambers of Commerce and IndustryNew Representative, Taipei Representative Office, Mr Sherman Kuo

DecemberDeputy Prime Minister of Oman, His Highness Sayyid Fahad Mahmood Al-Said and business delegation

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Overseas Business MissionsJanuary

Morocco India (Mumbai)

MarchBusiness Study Visit to Batam, Bintan and Karimun (BBK) - Special Economic Zone

AprilBrazil (Sao Paulo & Porto Alegre)Nanchang & Zhengzhou - in conjunction with Expo Central China 2007 South Africa, Namibia & Botswana

MayLibya

JuneInvesting Opportunities in East Malaysia – Sabah

JulyNigeria

SeptemberNew Exporters’ Business Mission to South KoreaKazakhstan & Uzbekistan

OctoberHungary & PolandIndia (Coimbatore)

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MOUs signed in 2007April

Macao Chamber of Commerce

JuneICC Ukraine National Committee of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC Ukraine)

JulyChamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan

OctoberPolish Chamber of Commerce

NovemberForeign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and HerzegovinaChamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania

DecemberKorea International Trade Association The All-Russia Business Union “Delovaya Russia”

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Singapore Business Federation10 Hoe Chiang Road#22-01 Keppel TowersSingapore 089315Tel : +65 6827 6828Fax : +65 6827 6807

Website: www.sbf.org.sg

Annual Report 2007 - Singapore Business...

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