SPEECH BY MINISTER FOR TRADE
& INDUSTRY, MR LIM HNG KIANG, AT THE GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY
OF THE CHANGI INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW, AT CHANGI NORTH, ON WEDNESDAY
25 JANUARY 2006 AT 10.35 AM
Mr Lim Chin Beng
Chairman, Changi International Airshow and Events Pte
Ltd
Distinguished partners and
friends
Ladies and
gentlemen
A very good morning to one and
all.
It is indeed my great pleasure to be
here with you this morning, as we break ground for the Changi
International Airshow.This is an important milestone as we progress
towards a successful launch of the Changi International
Airshow.
A World-Class Airshow is Important to
Singapore
Singapore aims to develop and position the Changi
International Airshow as the premier airshow in the Asia-Pacific
region. This is certainly not an unrealistic target for
Singapore as we are already a major international aviation hub in
this part of the
world.
As an aviation hub, Singapore sees more than 4,000 flights
take off from Changi Airport to 180 cities weekly. The airport also
handled a record number of some 32.4 million passengers and 1.83
million tonnes of air cargo last year. In the aerospace segment, Singapore ranks as the largest and most comprehensive aerospace
maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hub in Asia. We hold about one quarter of the MRO market share
in Asia. Many of the world’s leading aerospace companies have
significant and very successful operations
here.
A world-class airshow in Singapore provides a platform for the gathering of the international
aviation community to make billion-dollar deals, exchange views on
technological trends, and establish and renew relationships. Such a
strategic event reinforces and enhances Singapore’s stature as a Global Aviation
Hub.
Apart from adding to the vibrancy and strength of
Singapore’s aviation industry, an airshow also brings about economic
spin-offs for our tourism and services industries. Thousands of
visitors will travel to Singapore for the airshow, utilising the services of our hospitality,
transport, retail and entertainment industries.
The Government
will Give Full Support to Changi International
Airshow
With the Changi International Airshow, Singapore will continue to be the venue of a world-class airshow. The
government is committed to the success of the airshow in
Singapore and will give its full support. The relevant government
agencies are already working very closely with Mr Lim and his
team.
When this new airshow venue is completed it will offer a
dedicated infrastructure that will cater to the specific needs of
the aerospace exhibitors. Located close to the runway, the new
venue will include a 40,000 sqm air-conditioned exhibition hall and
a static aircraft display area for aerospace companies to showcase
their latest products.
Strong Support has been Received from the International
Aerospace Community on the Changi International
Airshow
I am very glad to know that the
Changi International Airshow has received the strong endorsement
and support of the international aerospace community. At today’s
ceremony, aviation industry leaders such as Airfoil Technologies
International, BAE Systems, Boeing, Eurocopter, Lockheed Martin,
Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Rolls-Royce and ST Engineering will
confirm their participation at the Changi International Airshow.
There are many others, including Airbus and several country
pavilions who have indicated their firm commitment to participate
but who are not able to join us
today.
A big thank you to all who have pledged your vote of
confidence in Singapore. Your support of the Changi International Airshow
is an extension of the strong partnership forged
with Singapore. I am confident that in the coming months, the airshow will
be able to secure participation from even more industry
players. We look forward to your strong support so that, together,
we can make the Changi International Airshow a
success.
Conclusion
Thank you.