Dear Ladies and Gentlemen
 
Singapore is the most important trading partner of Switzerland in the ASEAN region and the 4th most important partner in East Asia - after Japan, China and South-Korea. Taking into account its limited overall size, this fact indicates Singapore's role as a centre for a whole range of economic activities and as a business hub. About 250 Swiss companies are present in Singapore and they have invested about 17 Bio Swiss Francs over the years.

The two governments have laid down a legal framework to create confidence and to facilitate day-to-day business. There exists an agreement between Switzerland and Singapore on the avoidance of double taxation, an agreement on the promotion and protection of investment. In addition, a free trade agreement was concluded in 2002. 
 
The service sector has increased rapidly and a number of companies from Switzerland in the field of finance, insurance, logistics and also research have chosen Singapore as the preferred location in Asia from where to expand their activities.
 
The Swiss business association is an effective pillar for the Swiss and friends of Switzerland in Singapore. And it forms with the business related services of the Swiss Embassy an ideal public-private partnership to further develop our bilateral economic relations. The SBA is excellent for organising networking events, seminars and lobbying activities in the field of trade, investments and finance. I encourage the Swiss companies, local corporations and entrepreneurs with a keen interest in the Swiss economy to enrol in the SBA and to participate actively in the various events and forums.

HE Mr Jörg Alois Reding
SWISS AMBASSADOR TO SINGAPORE