Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) and Singapore Tourism Board (STB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of trade shows and conferences. The agreement was presented in Singapore, 5 October, in conjunction with the first Asia CEO Summit
IEG also announced it had acquired The Sije – Singapore International Jewelry Expo – as well as the trade show with the three food brands, Cafè Asia, Sweet and Bakes Asia, Restaurant Asia, from CEMS-Conference & Exhibition Management Services. The deal strengthens IEG’s presence in Asia.
Under the MoU to support the development and organisation of new IEG events in Singapore, IEG will open its own regional headquarters in Singapore, following up on its industrial expansion strategy in the city state.
Corrado Peraboni, CEO of IEG, said: “The partnership with Singapore Tourism Board marks another important step forward in IEG´s internationalisation process and consolidates its presence on the Asian continent. Singapore currently boasts a highly developed economic structure based on services and manufacturing with high added value. This is an important piece in a strategy that, in every respect, aims to establish IEG as a ‘community catalyst’ for the industries its events represent by taking them to the most promising markets, generating value also in terms of business for exhibiting companies, associations, authorities, and all the stakeholders.”
Poh Chi Chuan, executive director, exhibitions and conferences, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “We are heartened by the Italian Exhibition Group’s decision to anchor their regional headquarters in Singapore, and we look forward to welcoming more internationally renowned event brands to our city. This new partnership is testament to Singapore’s solid economic fundamentals and our standing as a Global-Asia Node for MICE and business. We look forward to deepening our partnership with IEG as they expand their presence in Singapore and the region through a vibrant line-up of exhibitions and conferences.”
Francesco Santa, international business development director IEG added: “The signing is a source of great pride and satisfaction. Singapore Tourism Board and IEG thus begin a long-term collaboration, confirming the global expansion of our Group, which has now taken a decisive step towards the development of its products in Singapore and the entire South East Asian region. The valuable exchange of know-how and innovation between IEG and Singapore will contribute to strengthening trade relations with the ASEAN region, of which Singapore is the hub, with growth rates among the highest in the entire world.”
The announcement of the MoU was made at a ceremony held at The Fullerton Hotel in Singapore, and in conjunction with the first ASIA CEO Summit (5–7 October 2022), co-organised by industry associations SACEOS, AEO, SISO and UFI.
IEG is already present in Asia with top international brands: in the Arab Emirates, with Dubai Muscle & Active Show (28-30 October 2022), and JGT Dubai (12–14 February 2023), one of the world's major jewellery shows and in the People´s Republic of China with CDEPE - Chengdu International Environmental Protection Expo (2023), a leading exhibition on green technologies and Sigep China (organised by EAGLE, a company of IEG), the trade show dedicated to gelato, pastry, bakery and coffee that will be making its debut in 2023 (10–12 May) in Shenzhen, in partnership with Koelnmesse.
