SPEECH BY MR LEE YI SHYAN, MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRADE & INDUSTRY AT THE LAUNCH OF NTUC FAIRPRICE’S TURKEY FAIR ON THURSDAY 27 OCTOBER 2011, 10.45AM AT FAIRPRICE XTRA, JURONG POINT

Your Excellency Ambassador Şafak Göktürk,

Director General of Exports from the Ministry of Economy of The Republic of Turkey, Mr Tarık Sönmez,

Group CEO of NTUC Fair Price, Mr Tan Kian Chew,

Invited Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Introduction

Before I begin my speech, I would like to say that our hearts go out to the victims of the earthquake in Van province in Turkey. We are saddened by the loss of lives and destruction caused by the earthquake. Under the Turkish government’s capable leadership, I am confident that the Turkish people will overcome this disaster with fortitude.

Eight-eight years ago, the Republic of Turkey proclaimed its independence. It’s for this reason that we are gathered here to kick-off a week-long celebration. It’s on this special occasion that we extend our best wishes and support to the Government and people of Turkey.

Turkey-Singapore relations

Turkey and Singapore, enjoy strong and growing relations. Singapore's trade with Turkey has been increasing, with total trade crossing the S$1 billion mark last year. From January to September this year, Singapore’s bilateral trade with Turkey amounted to S$1.37 billion, a 44% growth over the same period in 2010. I am confident that our economic relations will continue to strengthen, given Turkey’s strong growth trajectory and Singapore’s strategic position in the heart of Asia.

I am also pleased to note that people flows between Turkey and Singapore have been growing steadily. There are now 450 Turkish citizens based in Singapore and over 50 Turkish companies registered here. In 2010, 20,000 tourists from Singapore visited Turkey, while 16,000 Turkish tourists visited Singapore. Besides Singapore Airlines’ direct service to Istanbul, which flies four times a week, Turkish Airlines now operates flights to Singapore every day. This increased connectivity will facilitate more trade, investment and people flows between our countries.

As Singaporeans travel more widely and experience different cultures and cuisines, so our tastes have become more sophisticated. Turkish cuisine is becoming increasingly popular in Singapore. That NTUC Fair Price now offers more than 80 food products from Turkey in each of its 105 stores is a reflection of the popularity of Turkish cuisine and the changing tastes of the ‘global-local’ Singaporean.

Launch of Turkey Week

Today’s launch also marks the beginning of ‘Turkey Week’, a series of events held in celebration of the 88th anniversary of the Turkish Republic. This week’s events are co-organized by the Turkish Embassy in Singapore, NTUC Fair Price, Temasek Polytechnic, Turkish Airlines and Fifty-three restaurant to raise awareness of Turkish food products, cuisine and culture in Singapore. This afternoon, culinary students from Temasek Polytechnic will receive a ‘master class’ in Turkey-Singapore fusion cuisine conducted by local celebrity chef Michael Han. This “marriage” of two very different yet complementary cuisines is a symbol of the deepening friendship between our two countries and peoples.

Conclusion

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ambassador Göktürk for his role in forging stronger ties between Singapore and Turkey. Ambassador Göktürk will be ending his tour of duty in Singapore in November and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

I am told that in Turkey, it is customary to say Afiyet Olsun before each meal, which means “may it be good for you”. Bon appétit, and to our Turkish friends, Afiyet Olsun! I wish all of you a very pleasant time at the Turkey Fair this morning. Thank you.