International trade is a key pillar of the Singapore economy. Strategically situated at the crossroads of the world's major aviation and shipping routes, the nation's premier trade hub status is enhanced by our proximity to source and consumer markets, the critical mass of international trading companies based here, and our efficient trade infrastructure and trade support services.
To continue to facilitate and develop international trading activities, International Enterprise (IE) Singapore launched the Global Trader Programme (GTP) in June 2001. Formed by the merger of the Approved Oil Trader (AOT) and the Approved International Trader (AIT) programmes, the GTP allows companies on the programme to enjoy a concessionary tax rate on qualifying trade income. The programme encourages global trading companies to use Singapore as their regional or global base to conduct activities along the total trade value-add chain from procurement to distribution, in order to expand into the region and beyond.
Over the years, the programme has attracted a vibrant cluster of global trading companies to hub their strategic business functions in Singapore. These companies are key players in their respective commodity sectors such as Oil & Chemicals, Agricultural Commodities as well as Metals & Minerals. Today, more than 270 global trading companies have chosen to anchor their regional and or global business operations in Singapore.
IE Singapore welcomes global trading companies that meet the above criteria to apply for the GTP status and join the vibrant international trading community in Singapore
