Released 13/04/2016
Canberra professionals have a new network to help them move into key overseas markets under a new initiative launched as part of my trade mission to Singapore.
The Canberra International Support Network is a new Canberra Business Chamber (CBC) initiative for Canberra businesses to share knowledge and opportunities. The first Canberra International Support Network will focus on Singapore, with other trade partners to follow. It will enable those wanting to use direct flights as a springboard to export to Singapore to learn from those Canberra businesses that have already been successful.
As part of the launch event, I was pleased to witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Canberra Business Chamber and the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), which is focused on promoting the expansion of trade, tourism and business between Singapore and the Canberra Region.
The new support network is a demonstration of Canberra’s sense of community and local businesses commitment to collaborate to make our city more competitive. It aims to support our local businesses to expand overseas, while also drawing further investment into the Canberra region.
Singapore is an important trade partner and neighbour, and when direct international flights start in September we will be even closer. International flights will be a game changer which will open up new opportunities for our businesses to connect with key markets overseas and expand their international reach. In turn this helps create jobs in Canberra and diversify our economy.
Overseas flights give us a new platform to show what professionals in the Canberra region have to offer, and make it easier for us to attract international investment.
The SBF is a highly influential organisation, representing 22,500 Singapore companies, as well as key local and foreign business chambers, and champions the interests of the Singapore business community in the areas of trade, investment and industrial relations. Its membership base comprises all registered Singapore companies with a share capital of S$0.5 million and above.
Partnering with Singapore’s preeminent business chamber is also a fantastic outcome which will open up a range of new and exclusive opportunities for our local businesses to engage with Asia.
My time in Singapore is focused on building the momentum to continue our collaboration and engagement with Singapore Government and businesses to make the most of direct international flights, and the new network supports our ongoing collaboration and engagement with Singapore.
CEO of the CBC Robyn Hendry said the support network offers new opportunities for professionals to connect.
“Social media channels such as Facebook and LinkedIn have made connecting online part of both our personal and professional lives,” Ms Hendry said. “We wanted to create a place where businesses and professionals based here and overseas could come together to offer each other support and share knowledge.”
Canberra Region businesses will be able to utilise ACCESSASIA@SINGAPORE through the network which is a single point of entry for businesses hoping to gain access to the Asian market.
The service brings together SBF’s professional service partners to assist with a speedy and smooth entry into the market. Singapore based companies looking to invest in the ACT will have access to similar services through Canberra Business Chamber and its network of local resources, such as Invest Canberra and CBR Innovation Network.
The Canberra International Support Network is a free service available to any business globally with a connection to the Canberra Region. Businesses can join through the Canberra Business Chamber website at www.canberrabusiness.com
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Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases