SBF to lead 57 Singapore companies to take part in 8th China International Import Expo
Since 2018, local firms have generated over S$533 million in trade value by participating in the fair
[SINGAPORE] The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) will lead a delegation of more than 500 business representatives from 57 companies to participate in the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, held from Nov 5 to 10.
The delegation includes 18 Singapore companies that will participate in the CIIE for the first time, alongside 39 returning exhibitors.
The CIIE is the world’s first import-themed expo held at the national level and one of China’s biggest trade fairs. It was first organised in 2018 to open up the Chinese economy to foreign companies and boost domestic consumption.
There will be a Singapore Pavilion at this year’s CIIE, parked under the theme “Singapore-China: Envisioning the Next Horizon”.
The pavilion – which spans 1,213 square metres – will highlight the Republic’s national strengths in sectors such as trade in services, food and agriculture, and consumer goods.
The CIIE has established itself as an “important gateway” for Singapore companies to access and expand into China, said SBF in a media statement on Wednesday (Oct 22).
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Since 2018, Singapore companies have generated over S$533 million in trade value by participating in the expo, it noted.
Despite global headwinds, China remains a growth market for Singapore companies, SBF added.
China is the third-largest market for Singapore businesses after Malaysia and Indonesia, with 71 per cent of firms having a “strong presence” there, according to the 2024 SBF National Business Survey.
“CIIE continues to serve as an important platform for Singapore businesses to engage Chinese and international buyers, reflecting growing confidence and sustained interest in the China market,” said the association.
SBF will also convene the Singapore-China Trade and Investment Forum on Nov 6, on the sidelines of the CIIE.
The annual forum serves as a key bilateral platform for Singapore and Chinese business leaders and trade delegation to deepen networks and explore collaborative ventures.
In 2024, 15 memorandums of understanding worth over S$60 million were signed at the forum.
SBF chief executive officer Kok Ping Soon said: “As we celebrate 35 years of Singapore-China diplomatic relations, we look forward to strengthening our longstanding partnership and exploring new opportunities for collaboration.”
Singapore remains a “trusted partner” for Chinese enterprises looking to expand into Asean, he added.
The Republic is set to take over as Asean chair in 2027, and is thus “well-poised to facilitate deeper regional connectivity and cross-border partnerships that benefit businesses across Asia,” he said.
“By leveraging platforms like the CIIE, we are committed to empowering Singapore businesses to expand their presence in China, while helping Chinese companies tap into Asean’s potential for sustainable growth and long-term success.”
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