Singaporean growers interviewed late last year believed ineffecient collections, variable quality, and high production costs limited growth. Transportation costs to overseas markets pose a problem for Singapore. Freight costs from Singapore to its various markets are higher than nearby Thailand s freight costs to distant markets. Thai orchid exports are said to be subsidized by that country s garment trade exports to Europe, Japan, and the United States. This freight rate competes with the Baht 77 per kilogram rate from Thailand to Europe in 1995.
Planes are often full.
Duties and other taxes have affected demand growth in major overseas markets, according to growers. Opportunities for Other Asian Producers Singaporean farm owners are investing or considering investing in Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Burma, China, and India. Product from these new farms will be exported directly or through Singapore to markets in Asia, Europe, and North America. There are many opportunities for joint-ventures, technical partnerships and other forms of business arrangements. Entrepreneurs in developing Asian countries, particularly those new to export floriculture, who form ties with interested Singaporean counterparts may achieve a better position in the export market, taking advantage of established market linkages, new technologies, and a reputation for high quality.