Speeches

Foreign Commercial Service (FCS) Trade Mission Reception
Remarks by Ambassador Patricia L. Herbold
February 20, 2006

Thank you, George, for that gracious introduction.  It is my pleasure to join you all this evening.  I Promise my remarks will be very short, because I’d rather you used your time here to network with each other.  Let me begin by thanking our sponsor, Federal Express.

Tonight’s reception is in honor of the 13 American firms participating in the Aerospace Trade Mission.  I’m delighted to see so many Singaporean companies here.  Please take a moment to look around the room.  Many of the Americans joining us tonight represent new-to-market U.S. companies eager to do business in Singapore and in the region.  Many of these companies are small and medium sized enterprises.  Although they may not be well known in Singapore yet, it’s just a matter of time before you hear more about them because they offer innovative technologies and products.  Their presence in Singapore for Asian Aerospace 2006 demonstrates their commitment to the Asia-Pacific region, the fastest growing market for the aerospace industry.

Again, I urge you to take the opportunity this evening to network.  I hope you all establish connections that develop into commercial relationships.  My Foreign Commercial Service team, led by George Ruffner, is here to support you.  We are glad you’re here, and wish you tremendous success this week.

Thank you.