With the ever-expanding landscape of Indian companies in Singapore, CII launched the India Business Forum to be the “Voice of Corporate India” in Singapore on 20 June 2007. The Forum was launched by Mr Pranab Mukherjee, Minister of External Affairs, India and Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Minister of Trade and Industry, Singapore with Mr Girija Pande, Head – Asia Pacific, Tata Consultancy Services as the chairperson.

CII through IBF and its members would like to work towards further reducing the barriers and misconceptions that prevent exploitation of the immense potential that lies untapped in our economic ties. The business communities of the two countries will be encouraged to invest in this relationship as an economic opportunity.

Mr Mukherjee said, “The India Business Forum is a commendable step in bringing together Indian companies in Singapore. As these companies compete in a challenging market, they inevitably face issues that need to be addressed collectively”.

Currently approximately 2500 Indian companies are operating in Singapore; 30 of these companies have joined IBF. We do hope that more and more Indian companies will join IBF and add value and support to the “voice of corporate India” in Singapore.

Terms of Reference

• Promote the image of Indian businesses in Singapore as integral players in both the Indian and the Singapore economy.
• Identify regulatory issues impeding Indian companies from doing business in the Singapore and ASEAN countries.
• Interact with the representatives of the respective governments of both countries to project the views of Indian companies.
• Collect and disseminate knowledge on the Singapore and ASEAN market and best practices.
• Disseminate information on developments in the Singapore and ASEAN countries affecting Indian Companies.
• Collect data / information on Indian companies operating in Singapore and ASEAN and project it in the Singapore and ASEAN market.
• Produce publications / occasional papers / notes as required.