Singapore overseas investments jumped 9.7% in 2011

Investment outflows for international expansion and trade defied the downturn fears to grow in almost double-digits.

Cumulative direct investment abroad rose 8.9%. Meanwhile, trade also grew 8% driven by robust exports of goods. NODX and services exports ticked up as well, but in slower rates of 2.2% and 4.8%, respectively.

International Enterprise Singapore reported:

In 2011, Singapore's direct investment outflows amounted to S$31.7 billion, a 9.7% increase over 2010. As of end 2010, Singapore companies continued to expand aggressively overseas, with cumulative Direct Investment Abroad (DIA) hitting S$393.3 billion at end 2010, an 8.9% increase over 2009. The importance of the external economy is increasingly evident today. Cumulative DIA soared 27% above GDP in 2010, having accounted for 60% of GDP in 2000.

Trade also registered positive growth. Singapore's 2011's 8% trade growth outperformed WTO‟s world merchandise trade growth forecast of 5.8%. In particular, export of goods grew 7.5% year-on-year in 2011, while NODX grew 2.2%. Export of services also grew 4.8% in 2011 to reach S$142.9 billion.

Singapore is also a centre for global trading operations. In 2011, offshore trade hit the one trillion mark – it grew 45.6% to reach a turnover of S$1.29 trillion (US$1.02 trillion). The energy sector remains the major contributor, accounting for 75% of the turnover. However, the agri-commodities and metals sectors are increasing steadily, accounting for 18% and 7% respectively.