It is a great honour to be asked to be Patron of the British Chamber of Commerce. In my short time in Singapore I have already been struck by the drive and focus of the Chamber. That comes from the quality and commitment of your Board but also of the whole membership. I am very pleased to have met many of you already [including at the AGM – 26th May 2011] and to having the chance to meet others soon.

The UK Government continues to place the strongest emphasis on returning to fiscal health and economic prosperity through policies that will deliver growth and a balanced economy. These policies have been set out in this year’s White Paper on Trade and Investment, the Growth Review and the Budget. Most recently UKTI has published its new strategy. All highlight the essential need for strong export performance and maintaining a high level of quality inward investment; and all place the highest importance on a strong economic and political partnership between the UK and the countries of South East Asia – both in their own right and as a gateway to the growing markets of China and India.

Singapore, of course, sits at the heart of this agenda. In past years the UKTI team at the High Commission has consistently outperformed its targets, working with many of you as well as companies in the UK to lead the way. My aim as High Commissioner is to do my part to help that continue, and to ensure that we do so in the context of a genuine strategic partnership between all parts of the UK Government and the British business community here in Singapore. I look forward to working with all of you to deliver that partnership in the year ahead.

Thank you.

Antony Phillipson
British High Commissioner
Singapore