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British Columbia and Singapore

With one of Asia’s highest levels of GDP per capita, Singapore has established a highly developed and politically stable market. Singapore is a hub for distribution, logistics and financial services and acts as a strong trade and investment location. Singapore has a relatively small and affluent population with low levels of unemployment and high levels of disposable income, making it a prospective place to expand and invest in business.

Trade & Investment Highlights

Currently, Canada is waiting to launch negotiations for their accession to the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA), initiated by Chile, New Zealand and Singapore. Upon fulfilment of this agreement, B.C. would benefit from facilitated digital trade advantages.
The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) between Canada and Singapore allows for free trade opportunities.
Through Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, Canada will work to deepen its strategic partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and with ASEAN Member States. In February 2023, Canada announced a $24M investment to establish the Trade Gateway to Southeast Asia, which will be based in Singapore. The Trade Gateway is a market entry point and catalyst for Canadian businesses to grow their engagement and presence in the ASEAN region and enhance Canada’s profile as a commercial and investment partner.

Singapore at a Glance

Monetary figures are in USD

Opportunity for Foreign Investors and B.C. Exporters

Agrifood & Agritech

Singapore relies on imports for most of its food requirements. Consumer expenditure is rising and B.C. exporters are provided with a variety of new agrifood export opportunities. Fish and seafood, processed meats, confectionery, health food products, plant-based protein, soybeans and pulses, wine, and beer continue to bring opportunities for B.C.

Aerospace

As the ASEAN regional trend hub for the latest innovation and technology, Singapore is home to a well-established aerospace industry. There is demand for B.C. aviation training, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and green solutions to reduce CO2 outputs in Singapore’s aerospace industry.

Clean Energy

Singapore remains dependent on energy imports due to limited natural renewable energy resources and domestic production. The country aims to raise its climate target by 2050 and achieve net-zero emissions as soon as it is viable in the second half of the century as part of its long-term low emissions development strategy. There are continued opportunities for B.C.’s exports of energy products to Singapore including LNG, hydrogen, and renewable energy sources.

Cleantech

The Singaporean government has identified clean energy and technology as a strategic growth area and the region has become an ASEAN hub for clean energy and water. Opportunities exist in smart water technologies, water and waste resource management and recycling equipment, clean and renewable energy, fuel cell, green buildings, biomass, and waste-to-energy.

ICT

Singapore has a mature digital market and is an early adopter of new technologies and innovation, applications and solutions with the Smart Nation Singapore initiative launching in 2014. B.C. can leverage opportunities in developing applications, Smart Nation infrastructure, cyber security, financial technology, artificial intelligence and data analytics.

Industrial Marine

Singapore’s marine industry play a major role in the country’s economic growth and is recognized globally for its ship repair and conversion solutions. As one of British Columbia’s highest growing sectors, B.C. companies can further support Singapore’s marine industry when focusing on new and emerging technologies with marine applications. Opportunities include solutions involving blockchain, digitalization, decarbonization, fuel monitoring systems and robotic processes.

Life Sciences

Singapore’s life expectancy continues to grow. Through different trade and investment initiatives, B.C. companies can provide innovative health care services including pharmaceuticals, medical devices and supplies, natural products, nutraceuticals, and innovative health care services to support Singapore’s evolving population and life sciences sector.

Singapore Top Industries (2018-2023)

Industries for Outward Investment

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Real Estate

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Renewable Energy

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Coal, Oil & Gas

_{Source: FDI Markets}

Import Industries
(by value)

Investment Opportunities in Canada - Electrical Machinery Equipment

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Mineral Fuels & Oils

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Machinery

_{Source: International Trade Centre}

Fastest Growing Import Opportunities

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Animal or Vegetable Fats and Oils

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Pharmaceuticals

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Pearls, Precious Stones & Metals

_{Source: International Trade Centre}

BC Export Industries to Market

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Wood Products

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Wood Pulp & Recovered Paper

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Mineral Ores, Slag & Ash

_{Source: BC Stats, data sourced from Statistics Canada}

Trade & Investment Resources

For B.C. Businesses

For International Businesses

Latest News And Stories

Free Trade Agreement event with Export Navigator and Jobs Economic Development and Innovation

B.C. Workshops Boost Trade and Export Growth

The Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation (JEDI) is hosting a series of workshops aimed at promoting trade opportunities.

B.C. is the Natural Place for Natural Food Products

Inno Foods remains poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of healthy snacking.

Hardbite: B.C.’s Global Natural Food Success

Natural Homegrown Foods secured its position as an industry leader by being awarded a BC Export Award in 2022.

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How We Help

Assist in commercial location identification and site selection.
Provide information on transportation infrastructure and logistics gateways.
Offer introductions to sector associations, industries and provide cluster insight.
Facilitate understanding and solutions for talent, skilled workforce and labour mobility
Facilitate engagement with professional advisors on legal, compliance and tax matters
Help navigating and offering referrals within government agencies on First Nations, business and regulatory processes.

Identify high potential investment opportunities and offer industry insight.
Introductions to sector associations and local industry contacts.
Introductions to companies seeking investments to expand.
Provide knowledge on local innovation hubs and connections to entrepreneurial opportunities.
Introductions to local venture capital networks.

Assist in navigating government export programs and financial supports.
Advice and coaching in international expansion and exporter development.
Support Team BC missions and trade events.
Match buyers and sellers in local and foreign markets.
Provide insight on trade agreements and barriers.
Introductions to trade representatives in foreign markets.
Market entry assistance in international markets.

Trade & Investment Office

Singapore
- Singapore

Singapore

As the financial and regional hub of Southeast Asia, Singapore is the most active economic gateway between East and West in the region. The city-state is active in diverse range of industries from aerospace and electronics, to medical technology and the creative industries.

Trade and investment representatives in Singapore are actively supporting businesses to explore shared opportunities.

Singapore Office:
High Commission of Canada
One George Street, #11-01
Singapore, 049145

Contact our Trade and Investment Representatives. Our team welcomes your inquiries

Rohan Belliappa
Managing Director, ASEAN

Lisa Qiu
Senior Commercial Officer

Genevieve Chew - Trade & Investment Representative

Genevieve Chew
Commercial Officer

Connect With Our International Network

Our Trade and Investment Representatives can help you establish the right connections, participate in events and tradeshows, explore programs and initiatives, and more. Connect with an expert near you.

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