Agreements inked to set up links between Singapore and German firms

Hannover

SINGAPORE'S manufacturing sector is about to get a shot in the arm, as opportunities open up for local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to collaborate with their German counterparts, also known as the Mittelstand.

The Mittelstand are known for their productivity and competitiveness, so such cross-country partnerships are expected to help Singapore SMEs expand their global networks and develop new capabilities.

Close to 40 Singapore businesses are gathered at Hannover Messe, the world's largest industrial technology fair, as part of government efforts to support firms in their push into the arena of advanced manufacturing.

Minister of Trade and Industry (Industry) S. Iswaran said on Tuesday: "Singapore's vision is to be a leading manufacturing hub, plugged into global centres of excellence suc…