Singapore Bolsters Position as Global Water Industry Hub, Keen to Attract More Companies

Singaporehas made significant progress in water supply and water management through technological innovation, institutional arrangements and stakeholders' participation. The recent water expo,SingaporeInternational Water Week (SIWW), held from 1 - 5 June 2014, saw 800 participating companies and over S$14.5 billion worth of new business, reaffirming the city-state's reputation as the top water management hub in the world.

Partnerships and MoUs

A numberof companiesfrom all over the world announced substantialinvestments, collaborations and partnerships during the event. For example, Beijing Enterprises Water Group (BEWG) opened its international regional hub inSingaporeand Xylem announced its Greater Asia headquarters inSingapore. Saudi Arabian Saline Water Conversion Corp (SWCC) as well as the municipalities and industrial parks in Indonesia, Laos, Philippines and Vietnam also shared over S$2 billion dollars' worth ofinvestmentprojects.

In addition,Singapore-based companies De.Mem and Sembcorp Industries forged closer ties with Vietnamese and Chinese companies respectively to build and upgrade water treatment plants.Singapore's Public Utilities Board (PUB) signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with water solutions providers Evoqua Water Technologies, Anaergia and Grundfos.

A Global Hydrohub

Singaporehas become the ‘Global Hydrohub' partly due to the participation of 130 industry players that have opted forSingapore company incorporation.

Considering the need for an efficient water management as its population grows, theSingaporegovernment identified substantialinvestmentsfor the environment and water industry. According to the Economic Development Board (EDB), the government injected a total of S$470 million to fund innovation and capability development in the industry between 2006 and 2011. It added that the industry is expected to increase contributions to GDP - from S$0.5 billion in 2003 to S$1.7 billion in 2015. It is also setto hire11,000 people.

Singaporekeen to attract more water companies
Singaporeis still keen to attract more water companies, not only to service domestic needs but to address global challenges. Commenting further, Ms. Cheryl Lee, Operations Manager at SingaporeCompanyIncorporation.sg said, "In 2006, the Environment and Water Industry Programme Office (EWI) was set up to fund R&D activities, develop cutting edge technologies and promote rapid growth in the industry. The aim of this agency was to attract more water companies to come toSingaporeand establish their activities here. Since its inception, the numberof companieshere has more than doubled from 50 to 130, and we expect this number to grow."

According to the EDB,Singaporeis keen to support the R&D, regional headquarters, sales & marketing,supply chainmanagement, product development, procurement and manufacturing activities of water companies. EWI is also keen to helpSingapore-based companies andresearchinstitutes develop and commercialize cutting-edge technologies and solutions, prior to exporting globally.

"Singapore's leadership in water innovation as well as the government's proactive approach to waterresearchand development have helped advance innovative technologies and facilitate the activities of leading water players.Incorporatinga company inSingaporewould then make solid business sense for water companies across the globe. We anticipate the inflow of more water industry professionals and companies inSingapore," said Ms. Lee.

About SingaporeCompanyIncorporation.sg

SingaporeCompanyIncorporation.sg is a portal for entrepreneurs and professionals who want to live and work inSingapore. It is also a provider ofSingaporecompanyincorporationas well as the related compliance and relocation services inSingapore.

Source

Media

Taxonomy

• Joint Venture