The High Commissioner of Singapore to India , H.E. See Chak Mun has appreciated the efforts made by the Indian Wine Academy to promote Wine for Asia 2005 being held in Singapore from 10 th to 12 th November, 2005 . The Academy is taking a group of 30 delegates including several wine club members to the Show. Not only is this a first time achievement for the Show, it is apparently the first time ever an India Pavillion will be erected in an international wine show, fructifying the long term efforts of the Academy to promote Brand India on an international platform for wine s. Here is the Message from His Excellency in full:

MESSAGE FROM H.E. SEE CHAK MUN, HIGH COMMISSIONER OF SINGAPORE TO INDIA

I am delighted that the Indian Wine Academy is participating at the 3 rd Wine for Asia Show in Singapore . This would provide valuable business networking opportunities for Indian wine makers and related businesses.

Singapore as an international business and trading centre has a bustling food & beverage sector. In 2003, Singapore ' s total trade in food and beverages amounted to S$10.6 billion of which imports made up 62.6% and exports 37.3%.

As for the food services sector, it collected S$1.257 billion in revenue in 2002, according to the Singapore Department of Statistics ' “ Food & Beverage Services Survey (Reference Year 2002) ” . This sector comprised some 4,400 establishments in 2002.

Based on these figures, Singapore should offer attractions for Indian wine exporters and traders to seriously explore business and trading opportunities in Singapore . I understand that the Indian Pavilion organized by the Indian Wine Academy to showcase Indian branded wines will be a major highlight of the Show in Singapore .

I take this opportunity to extend my best wishes for the visit to Singapore and heartiest congratulations to The Indian Wine Academy for the beginning of an enduring business partnership with Singapore .

SEE CHAK MUN

High Commissioner of the Republic of Singapore

in India

October 31, 2005

Delhi