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This feature is the fourth in our ‘Spotlight on Singapore’ series of collaborative articles providing insights into the dynamics of the region and potential opportunities for Northern Ireland businesses in Singapore; a gateway location to Asia.

In the 2020 edition of the Belfast Telegraphs "Top 100 Northern Ireland Companies" Kevin Holland comments on how 2020 has been a year of change for NI businesses.

The trading environment for many NI businesses will change from 1 January 2021 as a result of the end of the EU Exit transition period. Whilst many points of detail have still to be confirmed, a clearer picture is starting to emerge.

Recognised as the second largest economy worldwide, China is one of the first countries to begin its economic recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting significant export opportunities for both small and medium sized enterprises (SME) and large businesses from Northern Ireland.

The UK's immigration system is changing – from 1 January 2021 an entirely new immigration regime will come into effect.

Each year we report our end of year performances figures, highlighting in particular our progress against our 4 year Business Strategy targets which were set as part of the draft Programme for Government.

The sudden contraction of export markets, loss of supply chain and government decisions to lockdown whole countries and close all but essential businesses has sent shockwaves through economies right around the globe as COVID-19 has moved from continent to continent.

The immediate global impact of COVID-19 on businesses has been huge, both financially and operationally. It has caused disruptions to global and local supply chains, including the supply of essential raw materials and energy.

In this feature we look at the activity we undertook during 2019/2020 to support business growth, future investment and job creation across Northern Ireland. This activity will drive our outcome performance in future years.

In recent months, much of the world has had travel and business restrictions in place in the fight against COVID-19. Countries in Asia were among the first to go into lockdown, and are now amongst the first to emerge. As the restrictions ease and Asia moves to a ‘new-normal’ there are business opportunities for Northern Ireland companies to expand in the region.

In the rapidly changing business environment caused by COVID-19, companies all across Northern Ireland are asking themselves what they need to do to gain an advantage in the marketplace in order to compete and win new business. With this in mind, now more than ever companies are seeking to innovate.

This year, I had the opportunity to sit on the panel for the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise . Now in their 54th year, the Queen’s Awards are considered by many as the highest UK official award for businesses and are awarded for outstanding achievement in the categories of innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility.