Mr Lim Hng Kiang at the Ground Breaking Ceremony of the Changi International Airshow

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.