BiZQ - SBF Download Area - Singapore Business Federation

Linking Russiaand SingaporeSBF organises forum to improve connections betweenthe two countries.The upcoming Russia-Singapore Business Forum(RSBF) 2012, to be heldfrom Sept 24 to 26 at Marina BaySands, is a B2B platform linkingRussia with Asia, especiallySingapore. Since its inceptionin 2006, the last six forums, heldon a yearly basis, have creatednew opportunities and networksbetween these two markets.The RSBF organising committeeis led by Mr Michael Tay, ExecutiveDirector, Russia-Singapore BusinessForum and Founding Director,Singapore Management University’sCentre for Emerging Markets.Emerging and next-generationdeveloping marketsDrivers of economic growth willincreasingly centre on such markets,especially those in Asia, and theirgrowth cannot be denied. TheBRICs (Brazil, Russia, India andChina) markets have accounted for40% of world growth since 2000, andit is predicted that they will accountfor 70% of this growth over the nextfew years.Countries like Indonesia, thePhilippines and Vietnam are partof the next-generation emergingmarkets (the N-11) and theirpotential for business is enormous.With regard to the opportunitiespresented by these markets, MrTay said: “It would do us good tounderstand how these economiesfunction, so as to gain first-moveradvantage or ride the wave ofgrowth as it comes.”Cities as drivers ofdevelopmentGrowth will come from cities, asBRICs(Brazil, Russia,India and China)markets have accounted for40% of world growthsince 2000, and will account for70%of world growth over the next fewyears, according to predictions.they are the focal points ofdevelopment. Urban living requiresbasic infrastructure in areas suchas healthcare, transport and wastemanagement, and this needs tobe managed. Such urbanisationwill create new markets andopportunities.In light of such growth, theseventh annual RSBF will continueto focus on these key markets andtheir cities.Mr Michael Tay, ExecutiveDirector, Russia-SingaporeBusiness Forum andFounding Director, Centrefor Emerging Markets, SMU“We live inuncertain times, butthere are themes thatare redefining howthe world will looklike in coming yearsand decades.”Russia and Commonwealthof Independent States:Opportunities andchallengesThis year will witnesspresidential elections in twocountries: Russia and the US.Such happenings in the politicalarena will impact how business isconducted.Russia will be subject todiverse changes. Its entry to theWorld Trade Organisation willhave multiple implications on itscommercial and trade relations withthe Commonwealth of IndependentStates and the rest of the world.The 24th Asia Pacific Summit(APEC) will be held in the Russiancity of Vladivostok, presenting thecountry with new opportunities intrade and investment, which willresult in new policies and trends.Thus, RSBF’s speakers will helpthe business community understandhow to look at its world, how to tapon opportunities and how to copewith challenges to better conductbusiness.Said Mr Tay: “This year, wewill also organise focused sessionsaddressing real estate as aninvestment vehicle, industrial parksas models of development andtechnology as a way of collaborationbetween our companies.”See you at RSBF 2012! •Look out for the July issue of BiZQfor more information on the Russia-Singapore Business Forum 2012.13SPH Library