The China-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (CSFTA) signed between Singapore and China on 23 October 2008 in Beijing has entered into force on 1 January 2009. This is the first comprehensive bilateral FTA concluded by China with an Asian country covering areas ranging from trade in goods and services to investment and economic cooperation.

Effective from 1 January 2009, more than 85% of Singapore's exports to China enjoys duty-free access whereas all Chinese exports to Singapore are granted tariff-free access. By 1 January 2010, 95% of Singapore's exports to China will be tariff free. The CSFTA allows for third-party invoicing. It also grants preferential access to Singapore companies looking to invest in service sector, for example healthcare sector.

Companies are encouraged to attend this seminar to understand more about the changes and benefits introduced by the CSFTA and how companies can take advantage of it to expand the businesses. Please register by faxing the registration form (download from here) as seats are limited.

Date: Tue, 10 February 2009  

Time: 8.30am – 12.30pm

Venue: Suntec City Convention Centre, Meeting Room 201

Fees per pax (incl GST): S$45 (SBF and SingCham Member) / S$65 (Non Member)

Programme:

8.30am
* Registration

9.00am    
* Welcome Address by Singapore Business Federation

9.10am    
* Overviews of CSFTA
by Mr Yap Chin Siang, Director
Northeast Asia Division, Ministry of Trade & Industry

9.20am    
* How SMEs will benefit from CSFTA
by Mr Li Ming Lin, Minister Counsellor
Economic & Commercial Counsellor Office
Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Singapore
   
9.50am    
* How exporters can benefit from CSFTA
by Mr Michael Chang, Senior Manager
Domestic Exports & Re-exports Trade Group, IE Singapore

10.15am   
* Tea Break

10.40am   
* Application Procedure for Preferential Certificate of Origin 
by Mr Garry Pang Tien Siang
Senior Trade Officer
Tariffs & Trade Service Branch, Singapore Customs

11.00am   
* Relevant Legal Issues on International Trading between China & Singapore
by Mr Lin Song, Partner, KhattarWong

11.30pm   
* 1- on -1 Business Consultations With IES Consultants on CSFTA

Administrative Details:

- Please fax registration form (download from here). Due to limited seats, registration is on a first-come first-served basis.

- Please make cheque payable to "Singapore Business Federation" and mail together with the registration form to SBF. Please indicate the Ref No. and company's name behind cheque.

- Admission shall be allowed only upon presentation of the confirmation from SBF (i.e. confirmation stamp on the registration form).

-  For any other enquiries, kindly contact Ms Liu Xiao at 6827 6813 or email at xiao.liu@sbf.org.sg

- We regret that there will be no withdrawal upon registration but a replacement is welcome.  Pls note that no refund will be made for cancellation or non-attendance.

SingCham: To be an influential chamber, representing the commercial interests of its members, with access to various resources.