Singapore’s position as an International Maritime Centre (IMC) is built upon its status as a global maritime hub. Singapore’s position as an International Maritime Centre (IMC) is built upon its status as a global maritime hub. It is the aim of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to attract a core group of ship owners; operators and maritime services providers to set up operations in Singapore. With a focus on supporting the diverse business needs of enterprises within the wide range of maritime or related sectors, the government has created a pro-business environment conducive for starting and expanding businesses. By working with maritime enterprises and industry professionals, such as shipbrokers and charterers, marine insurers, maritime law practices and banks, and in conjunction with other Singapore government agencies, MPA aims to continually broaden both the breadth and depth of maritime services in Singapore. With strong economic links and connectivity to all the major world markets, over 4,200 foreign multinational corporations (MNCs) have regional activities in Singapore and some 26,000 international companies maintain offices here. Singapore’s advantages as a global hub to investors and the business community at large have been recognised by independent studies: Most Competitive Asian Economy | World Competitive Report 2007 | World’s easiest place to do business | World Bank Report: “Doing Business 2007” | Most Cost-Competitive Place for Business | KMPG Competitive Alternatives Study, 2006 | World’s Business Environment Ranking (#3 in world, #1 in Asia) | EU Country Forecast, Feb 2008 | Singapore: 2nd Most Technological Ready nation in Asia | Global Competitiveness Report 2006-2007 | Singapore: Best Quality for Port Infrastructure | Global Competitiveness Report 2006-2007 | Singapore: 2nd in the world for investment potential, 1st in Asia | BERI Report August 2006 | Best Labour Force | BERI’s 2007 Labour Force Evaluation Measure Report | Countries with least restrictive immigration laws for employing foreign labour (# 1 in Asia, #4 in world) | IMD Wold Competitiveness Yearbook 2006 | World’s Top 20 Most Globalised Nations | A.T. Kearney/Foreign Policy Magazine Globalisation Index 2006 | Asia’s No. 1 place to live, work and play | Mercer Human Resource Consulting, 2005-2006 |
The government has developed schemes and incentives to help you set up your business in Singapore. If you have any enquiries, email us at imc_mpa@mpa.gov.sg.
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