Mr. Paul Sweetman:

It depends on the sector being dealt with, but when I look at the figures from across the globe, I see Singapore is very strong at winning investment in particular sectors. Parts of continental Europe are very strong at winning some tech sector and pharma investment. We also have to remember that the US is a competitor in its own right because companies there have to decide whether they should have an international operation at all.

With regard to what we need to do, many jurisdictions are facing competitiveness challenges related to housing, infrastructure, energy and so forth. We are not alone in these aspects. However, the phrase “contender attitude” refers to showing significant progress on many of these aspects. A five-year plan could have 60 one-month goals within it. If we can show investors what we are doing on particular projects and themes in November, December and January to show we are moving along the right trajectory, it can be very positive to them. It would also show that, where we do face challenges, we respond to them. This gives companies comfort that when new challenges arise, we will use the same attitude to overcome them, even if they are unknown unknowns.