Building bridges to Singapore

The two-day event attracted many people to learn about Singaporean companies’ business operations in Vietnam and create a useful connection between Singaporean and Vietnamese companies.

“This is a good opportunity for us to introduce ourselves in Vietnam market, we are looking for partner to expand business here,” said William Ang, director of Green Lotus Pte, the developer of $20 million Van Loi resort in Do Son beach, Haiphong City.

This is the first this such event organised in Vietnam and the response from business community was positive.  To further enhance awareness of Singapore business in this country, Singapore Business Association in Vietnam – the exhibition organiser – also plans to hold similar events in the future.

According to Singapore Business Association in Vietnam, the showcase also aims to further cement the close relationship amongst Singapore companies here.

Statistics from Foreign Investment Agency show that Singaporean companies have invested in 1,080 projects in Vietnam, becoming the fourth largest investing country in Vietnam. Since January 2012 to date, Singaporean companies registered to invest into 72 projects, capitalised at $444 million.

Ricky Tan, chairman of KinderWorld – a property developer and education firm – said Vietnam was among attractive places in ASEAN where Singapore could expand business.

“When I came here first time, the traffic was terrible, transportation was underdeveloped. My impression was not good about Vietnam, but now Hanoi is place generating huge profit for our company,” said Tan.

Tan said KinderWorld was developing three new hotels and university complex projects in Danang, Quang Nam and Ba Ria-Vung Tau, that proves for its long-term commitment in Vietnam.