Green economy projected to add 18,000 jobs

The Singaporean government is pinning its hopes on a green economy that can create 18,000 more jobs and contribute SG$3.4 billion (US$2.31 billion) to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2015. The government released its sustainable-development blueprint which projects that environment and water technologies, as well as clean energy solutions, will each contribute SG$1.7 billion (US$1.15 billion) to Singapore’s GDP in the next six years. To stimulate growth in the clean technology sector, a fund worth SG$680 million (US$461.7 million) has been set aside for research and development (R&D) and manpower training. (April 28, 2009)