SINGAPORE'S BUSINESS CONNECTIONS WITH LATIN AMERICA

My 14 year old involvement in South America, although missionary in nature, is a reflection of the Lord bringing together the nations in more ways than one, even through business and trade deals. Doing business is certainly within God's calling for humanity. Abraham and Matthew are some examples of sucessful businessmen in the Bible. Remember the businesswoman of Proverbs 31?

Business enterprises are part of man's response to the Lord's cultural mandate given in Genesis to rule over creation and to subdue the earth. Sin may have tarnished the business dimension in the world but not obliterated its calling or place in the Lord's plan for the nations.

Singapore is building business links with Latin America.

Here are excerpts of a speech by Mr Heng Chee How, Minister of State for Trade and Industry and National Development, at the LatinAsia Biz Forum 2005 on 7 September 2005:


"Latin America is fast becoming an engine of growth for the global economy. According to the World Bank, the Latin American and Caribbean regions have the highest per capita income in the developing world. In 2004, the region registered a growth of 5.7 per cent, its highest in the last 25 years.

With the growing experience and success of Singapore companies in Latin America, more companies have ventured into the region. Singapore Technologies recently announced plans to supply cable TV signal down converters to Mexico. Banyan Tree also has plans to develop luxury resorts there. Earlier this year, Portek International, a port equipment engineering company, announced its sale of two quay cranes to Port of Ensenada in Mexico. Beyond Mexico and Brazil, our
companies are also making headway in Panama. Later on at this Forum, we will be hearing details about some recent successes in Panama by Inter Roller Engineering and Portek International.

In today’s competitive global economy, Singapore businesses must constantly seek out niches and new markets to stay relevant. Latin America is rich in resources and opportunities and we must deepen our engagement there to capitalise on these opportunities".