BUSINESS missions overseas and visits from foreign companies spearheaded by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) helped member companies secure some $340 million worth of business deals last year.

Most of these were inked with Middle Eastern firms.

The SBF revealed at its seventh annual general meeting yesterday that 29,000 participants benefited from the 275 activities and programmes it organised and supported last year.

Its efforts included business seminars, workshops, overseas missions, dialogues and networking sessions.

'The wide coverage of interests provided members with clarity on policy issues, as well as useful business updates and leads to pursue,' said an SBF spokesman.

The SBF council is chaired by Mr Tony Chew, who was elected to the post in June last year, succeeding Mr Stephen Lee.

Helping members develop their businesses is just one of the areas that SBF focuses on.

It also helps companies with their ventures internationally. Members are provided with assistance to tap local and overseas business opportunities.

Last year, the SBF - which represents more than 15,000 companies - supported 13 missions overseas, while receiving 49 business delegations from 22 countries, including Iran and North Korea.

It also helps its members by speaking up on issues deemed crucial to the business community here.

Read the full story in Wednesday's edition of The Straits Times