To fulfill this need, first and foremost Singapore developed into a world-class
transshipment port, later establishing itself as a world-leading container port. This
was naturally followed by the move of logistics-intensive industries into Singapore,
transforming it to a regional as well as a global warehousing and distribution
center. In parallel, Singapore developed oil port facilities to cater to the needs of
oil companies in South East Asia. It is important to note that Singapore development
in general, and its logistics and trade in particular, rest upon a virtually
corruption-free environment, an educated and motivated workforce, and wellestablished
legal and financial business frameworks. Singapore was rated #2 in the
World Bank’s (2009) International Logistics Performance Index and #1 in the
World Economic Forum’s The Global Enabling Trade Index (Lawrence Drzeniek
and Moavenzadeh 2009).