The inaugural launch of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Singapore Centre sets a new platform that aims to aide local companies develop business and technology collaborations with European partners.
Jointly launched by International Enterprise (IE) Singapore, Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) and Intellectual Property Intermediary (IPI), the centre will give Singapore companies access to technology know-how, intellectual property and exclusive access to 10,000 business and technology partnership opportunities.
Trade agency IE Singapore said the EEN is the world’s largest business and innovation support platform, which was set up under the European Commission’s Agency for Small and Medium Industries.
The EEN counts chambers of commerce, regional development organisations and research institutes among its members, said the Ambassador of the European Union to Singapore Dr Michael Pulch.
He noted the growing importance of the Asia Pacific region, with Singapore, New Zealand, Taiwan and Indonesia joining the EEN.
Mr Douglas Foo, President of SMF, explained that companies have to register their interest to collaborate on the EEN Singapore website. EEN Singapore will then help to identify potential businesses for companies to collaborate with.
He said: “Currently we already have more than 200 companies on the Singapore database and have matched almost 50 companies.”
Trade and Industry (Industry) Minister S Iswaran, who was Guest of Honour at the official launch event, said that the European Union accounts for 10 per cent of Singapore’s total trade, with bilateral trade standing at about S$91 billion in 2015.
He emphasised that innovation and internationalisation will be key drivers for Singapore, and the EEN platform will help Singapore companies tap on the international network to drive innovation efforts.
