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The Orchid Business Cluster (OBC) was established in May 2003 to garner the resources of Singapore's exporters and growers to formulate strategic plans, in order to strengthen Singapore's position as a world-renowned exporter of tropical orchids, and to move the industry forward in today's fast changing business climate. The Cluster comprises representatives from various floriculture associations, growers, exporters, as well as representatives from government bodies such as SPRING Singapore (Standards, Productivity and Innovation Board), International Enterprise (IE) Singapore and AVA.
It aims to :
- Identify and address the challenges faced by the Singapore Orchid Industry;
- Enhance the marketing and promotion of Singapore orchids worldwide;
- Explore opportunities for overseas investments and expansion of production bases in the region; and
- Harness the resources of the orchid industry to develop new products.
The Ornamental Fish Business Cluster was formed in 2003 to foster closer industry integration between private sector and the government sector. Through this, AVA aims to establish a framework for collaboration between AVA and the exporters/traders so as to maintain and advance Singapore's current lead position. Dr Kenny Yap of Qian Hu Cooperation was identified by AVA as Chairperson of the Cluster for a 3-year term. Other committee members include representatives from IE Singapore, EDB, SPRING Singapore, WDA, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, presidents of the two major ornamental fish associations (Exporters and Breeding) in Singapore and private companies with core businesses pertinent to the activities of the Cluster e.g. IT/Knowledge base.
The Cluster aims to:
- Reinforce Singapore as an Ornamental Fish Export Centre;
- Create an R & D Centre for ornamental fish industry in Singapore; and
- Establish a Training Centre for Ornamental Fish and provide quality consultancy services to Singapore and the Region.
Three Agri-Food Business Clusters have been formed for food fish, vegetable and fruit, and meat businesses. The business clusters concept was initiated by AVA and are chaired by the private sector with AVA providing the secretariat support. The members are major players in the industry or key representatives from the trade associations. They serve as a bridge of communication between the industry and the government on issues concerning food sourcing and facilitation of the food trade. The terms of reference of the Clusters are as follows:
- To identify new sources of food for Singapore. In particular, identify the sources of food for the Singapore market;
- To devise strategies on how best to move towards a diversified food supply and look into investment opportunities for Singapore importers to invest in food production and processing at source;
- To communicate strategies on food sourcing between AVA and importers/traders;
- To identify the challenges and problems faced by the Singapore importers/traders; and
- To share information on trade statistics, food quality and safety practices, and developments in the agriculture and food industry.
The trade associations in the agri-food businesses are:
The contacts of all the major agri-food traders are listed in the Singapore Agri-Food Business Directory published by the Times Business Information Pte Ltd for AVA. This comprehensive online directory on Singapore's agri-food business industry connects companies with business partners on the world wide web. Over 6,000 companies involved in agriculture and food business related activities are listed in the directory.
Click here for Singapore Agri-food Business Directory.
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