S'pore's a lure for Japan

Oct 8, 2009
S'pore's a lure for Japan
Pro-business policies, low tax rate make good business sense: PM Lee

TOKYO - PRIME Minister Lee Hsien Loong said here on Wednesday that Japanese companies were keen to invest in Singapore because of the Republic's pro-business policies.

Japanese companies, he told Singapore media, saw chances to do business in the region, especially in Singapore.

'They particularly like the opportunities to work in Singapore because they see in Singapore a pro-business and friendly environment,' said Mr Lee, who is here on a four-day visit.

'When we say pro-business measures, it may appear abstract to Singaporeans. But to the business people, it means dollars and cents and the ability to get their work done, and therefore to come and employ Singaporeans,' said PM Lee.

His remarks to the media came after a meeting on Wednesday morning with members of Nippon Keidanren, which groups Japan's blue-chip firms and is the most influential business organisation in this country.

Keidanren chairman Fujio Mitarai told Mr Lee that it is important for members of his organisation to contribute to the growth of Asian economies since Japan is a member of Asia.