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British Columbia and Singapore

With one of Asia’s highest levels of GDP per capita, Singapore has established a highly developed and politically stable market. Singapore is a hub for distribution, logistics and financial services and acts as a strong trade and investment location. Singapore has a relatively small and affluent population with low levels of unemployment and high levels of disposable income, making it a prospective place to expand and invest in business.

Trade & Investment Highlights

Currently, Canada is waiting to launch negotiations for their accession to the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA), initiated by Chile, New Zealand and Singapore. Upon fulfilment of this agreement, B.C. would benefit from facilitated digital trade advantages.
The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) between Canada and Singapore allows for free trade opportunities.
Through Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, Canada will work to deepen its strategic partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and with ASEAN Member States. In February 2023, Canada announced a $24M investment to establish the Trade Gateway to Southeast Asia, which will be based in Singapore. The Trade Gateway is a market entry point and catalyst for Canadian businesses to grow their engagement and presence in the ASEAN region and enhance Canada’s profile as a commercial and investment partner.

Singapore at a Glance

Monetary figures are in USD

Opportunity for Foreign Investors and B.C. Exporters

Aerospace

Singapore boasts one of Asia’s most advanced and diverse aerospace ecosystems, housing over 130 international companies and employing 22,000 highly skilled professionals. The sector integrates R&D initiatives from companies, public research institutions, start-ups, and regulators, making it a hub for innovation. As a global leader in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, Singapore commands more than 10% of the global MRO market. Opportunities for British Columbia (B.C.) companies include providing aviation training, MRO solutions, robotic inspection systems with cutting-edge imaging technologies, and advanced air traffic and weather management tools. Singapore’s strategic investments in aerospace infrastructure ensure a steady demand for innovative resources and expertise.

Agrifood & Agritech

Highly urbanized and with minimal local agricultural production, Singapore imports the majority of its food supply. The nation’s “30 by 30” plan aims to locally produce 30% of its nutritional needs by 2030 through technology and innovation. B.C. agritech firms have opportunities to collaborate via initiatives like the Canadian Technology Accelerator, which supports global scaling. In addition, B.C. exporters can tap into Singapore’s demand for high-quality agrifoods, including seafood, meats, fresh produce, processed foods, plant-based proteins, and beverages like wine and beer. Singapore’s push toward food security and sustainable agriculture positions B.C. as a valuable partner in agritech solutions and premium product exports.

Cleantech

Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 emphasizes clean energy, waste reduction, and efficient resource management, establishing the country as a green growth hub. Key priorities include clean technology, water and waste recycling, and low-carbon energy innovations. B.C. companies can capitalize on opportunities in smart water systems, renewable energy technologies, green building materials, and waste-to-energy solutions. With its focus on sustainability and a circular economy, Singapore provides a receptive market for B.C.’s advanced cleantech expertise and environmentally conscious products.

Clean Energy

Committed to achieving net-zero emissions by the latter half of the century, Singapore is diversifying its energy mix under the Singapore Green Plan 2030. This includes exploring hydrogen and solar power to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. B.C. companies can meet the demand for clean energy solutions by exporting hydropower, hydrogen fuel cell technology, and solar energy systems. With growing energy consumption across Southeast Asia, Singapore serves as a strategic entry point for B.C. firms seeking to provide innovative renewable energy technologies to the ASEAN region.

ICT

Singapore, ranked as Asia’s most innovative economy, has become a technology and innovation hub through its Smart Nation initiative, which drives advancements in digital government, economy, and society. A leader in adopting technologies like AI, blockchain, IoT, and quantum computing, Singapore’s mature ICT market presents significant opportunities for B.C. companies. Areas of collaboration include cybersecurity, fintech, data analytics, and applications for frontier technologies. B.C. firms can leverage Singapore’s strategic location to expand into the ASEAN region, contributing to the growing demand for innovative digital solutions.

Life Sciences

As a regional hub for healthcare and life sciences, Singapore excels in pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical devices, and R&D. The sector benefits from strong regulatory governance, public-private partnerships, and substantial investments in innovation. For B.C. companies, opportunities exist in exporting pharmaceuticals, AI-driven medical devices, and healthcare solutions. However, attracting Singaporean investment may prove challenging due to the preference for local firms. B.C. businesses can nonetheless position themselves as valuable partners by emphasizing their innovative capabilities and commitment to collaboration.

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

Singapore has transitioned from crude oil to natural gas as its primary energy source, with 95% of its electricity generated from natural gas. As the country remains entirely dependent on energy imports, B.C. is well-positioned to provide a stable and reliable LNG supply. This represents a promising export opportunity for B.C., as Singapore continues to prioritize cleaner energy sources to power its economy.

Singapore Top Industries (2019-2023)

Industries for Outward Investment

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Real Estate

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Renewable Energy

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Coal, Oil & Gas

_{Source: FDI Markets}

Import Industries
(by value)

Investment Opportunities in Canada - Electrical Machinery Equipment

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Mineral Fuels & Oils

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Machinery

_{Source: International Trade Centre}

Fastest Growing Import Opportunities

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Fertilizer

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Mineral Ores, Slag & Ash

_{Source: International Trade Centre}

BC Export Industries to Market

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Wood Products

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Meat

_{Source: BC Stats, data sourced from Statistics Canada}

Trade & Investment Resources

For B.C. Businesses

For International Businesses

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How We Help

Assist in commercial location identification and site selection.
Provide information on transportation infrastructure and logistics gateways.
Offer introductions to sector associations, industries and provide cluster insight.
Facilitate understanding and solutions for talent, skilled workforce and labour mobility
Facilitate engagement with professional advisors on legal, compliance and tax matters
Help navigating and offering referrals within government agencies on First Nations, business and regulatory processes.

Identify high potential investment opportunities and offer industry insight.
Introductions to sector associations and local industry contacts.
Introductions to companies seeking investments to expand.
Provide knowledge on local innovation hubs and connections to entrepreneurial opportunities.
Introductions to local venture capital networks.

Assist in navigating government export programs and financial supports.
Advice and coaching in international expansion and exporter development.
Support Team BC missions and trade events.
Match buyers and sellers in local and foreign markets.
Provide insight on trade agreements and barriers.
Introductions to trade representatives in foreign markets.
Market entry assistance in international markets.

Trade & Investment Office

Singapore
- Singapore

Singapore

As the financial and regional hub of Southeast Asia, Singapore is the most active economic gateway between East and West in the region. The city-state is active in diverse range of industries from aerospace and electronics, to medical technology and the creative industries.

Trade and investment representatives in Singapore are actively supporting businesses to explore shared opportunities.

Singapore Office:
High Commission of Canada
One George Street, #11-01
Singapore, 049145

Contact our Trade and Investment Representatives. Our team welcomes your inquiries

Rohan Belliappa
Managing Director, ASEAN

Lisa Qiu
Senior Commercial Officer

Genevieve Chew - Trade & Investment Representative

Genevieve Chew
Commercial Officer

Connect With Our International Network

Our Trade and Investment Representatives can help you establish the right connections, participate in events and tradeshows, explore programs and initiatives, and more. Connect with an expert near you.

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