The Asian nation of Singapore has set goals of doubling its total manufacturing output to US$177 billion and doubling value-added manufacturing to $47 billion by 2018.
Manufacturing currently accounts for 28% of Singapore's economy.
Singapore expects to create 15,000 manufacturing jobs from new projects every year between now and 2018 and to create another 6,500 related jobs a year in the services sector of its economy, says Singapore's Economic Development Board (EDB).
To help reach the goals, says EDB, Singapore plans to boost its supply-chain capabilities, including developing specialized logistics, strengthening supplier networks, providing greater market access and developing such emerging industries as nanotech, biotech and water technologies.