Singapore: International Focus

Companies in Singapore are the most likely in Asia to sell their goods to foreign markets, the survey found. They are also the second most likely to have operations in foreign markets. As such, they rate the sensitivity of their domestic economy to a global slowdown higher than any of their peers except Japan.

In terms of economic concerns, CFOs in Singapore are most concerned about the European debt crisis, followed by the U.S. budget deficit, inflation and the prospect of an economic slowdown in China.

In many areas, the findings indicate that Singapore is aligned with the average scores across Asia – but there are some notable exceptions. For example, with 86% of companies involved in export, CFOs in Singapore were the most likely to view the Middle East as a growth market. A higher than average proportion (47%) also expected higher sales in South America.

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Plans for 2012: Growth by Acquisition

Forty two per cent of Singapore's CFOs are expecting to participate in M&A (second only to China). Of those planning M&A activity, two thirds are doing so for the purpose of growth – but at 62% technology is another key driver, much more so than for any other country.

Overall the survey's findings indicate that the views of Singapore's CFOs are in many cases broadly representative of the mood across the region – but the country's reliance on exports makes the prospect of a global slowdown a particular concern.

Sensitivity to a Global Slowdown

Given its International position, CFOs in Singapore considered their economy very sensitive to a global slowdown. Find out here how CFOs in other countries think their economy will fair if the global economy slows

Foreign Exposure

In our survey, those in Singapore were most likely to sell to foreign markets, Find out how this compares to other countries here