OPENING REMARKS BY MR LEE YI SHYAN, MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRADE & INDUSTRY AND MANPOWER, AT THE LAUNCH OF THE MEXICAN GASTRONOMIC FESTIVAL, PHOTOGRAPHY AND HANDICRAFT EXHIBITION “MEXICO: TRADITIONS, COLOURS AND FLAVOURS”, AT THE FAIRMONT HOTEL, ON MONDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER 2010, 11.25AM

Your Excellency Antonio Villegas

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good morning

Thank you for inviting me here today to join in the celebration of Mexico’s gastronomic achievements. American writer, Mark Kurlansky, once wrote - “Food is a central activity of mankind and one of the single most significant trademarks of a culture". Both Mexicans and Singaporeans can surely appreciate this point, given our common passion for food.

I would like to thank the Mexican Embassy for bringing Mexico’s rich culture to Singapore. We are indeed fortunate to be able to enjoy this showcase of Mexico’s cuisine, handicrafts and photographs. I understand that this is part of the bicentennial celebrations of Mexico’s independence. This event is a good opportunity for Singaporeans to better understand Mexico’s exciting offerings.

Cultural exchanges can pave the way for Mexicans and Singaporeans to develop stronger friendships and links. Through the sights, sounds and tastes offered in a country’s culture and heritage, one develops a curiosity to learn more about different countries.

And often, greater interaction and exchange between the people, can bring about new ideas as well as business connections. I am delighted to share that bilateral economic relations between Singapore and Mexico have gained momentum recently. Over the past four to five years, our countries have experienced a step up in bilateral interactions as well as trade and investment flows. Total trade has seen an increase of 33% from 2003 to reach S$2.8 billion in 2009.

I am glad that our countries signed the Investment Guarantee Agreement (IGA) in November 2009.This is another testament to the growing economic linkage between Mexico and Singapore. The IGA provides a sound foundation and sends a strong signal to the business community, to promote bilateral trade and investment flows.

I hope that the ties between Singapore and Mexico will continue to grow warmer. This event today presents to us an excellent platform to network and meet new friends, while savoring the culinary delights. Today’s photography and handicraft exhibition also allow us to better appreciate Mexico’s deep history and vibrant culture.

It is therefore my pleasure to declare the opening of the Mexican Gastronomic Festival, photography and handicraft exhibition.

Thank you.