Singapore’s fruits and vegetables sector, an industry currently worth some S$1.4 billion, makes up a significant part of our total trade in F&B. The Singapore Fruits and Vegetables Importers and Exporters Association (SFVIEA) has been central in supporting its development over the past 63 years.

In times of unpredictable food prices, climate uncertainties and Asia’s burgeoning demand, the SFVIEA has the critical role of helping businesses in this sector remain globally competitive. They have been successful in doing so, with Singapore’s total fruits and vegetables exports increasing by 14 percent between 2009 and 2010 to reach S$193 million.

Singapore now counts markets such as ASEAN, the United States, Australia and China as key trading partners and there is huge potential for Singapore companies to further expand our global networks. SFVIEA is therefore an invaluable partner to IE Singapore in our mission to promote the overseas growth of local enterprises.

IE Singapore will continue to support SFVIEA in its efforts to enhance commercial opportunities for the fruits and vegetables trade, through business missions abroad as well as by helping companies uncover upstream integration opportunities.

The launch of the Members’ Directory will be a valuable tool for Singapore’s fruits and vegetables businesses as they seek to grow their networks overseas. I congratulate SFVIEA on this milestone.