In a bid to further boost bilateral trade ties, Singapore, one of the largest foreign investors in India, on Saturday invited Indian companies to list their stocks on its stock exchange.

"Listing on Singapore Exchange will provide the companies a platform to expand their presence in the region," said Hsieh Fu Hua, chief executive of Singapore Exchange.

Addressing a gathering of global and Indian fund managers, financial institutions and Indian corporates in Singapore, Hsieh said presence of Indian companies in Singapore has increased to over 300, from 50 around five years back.

They include top Indian software firms like Tata Consultancy, Wipro, Satyam and NIIT, Hsieh said.

Attractiveness of our markets to Indian companies will help them raise funds and get access to a huge pool of partners for business expansions, he added.

Singapore hosts nearly 6000 multinationals companies and is home to institutional and retail investors who have keen interest in foreign companies.

Foreign listings form a major part of SGX as they account to 20 per cent of the total listings and nearly 40 per cent of our market capitalisation, he said.

The push for Indian companies to look beyond their local market has been facilitated by the latest move to ease the capital account convertibility norms in India, he said.

Indian companies have the flexibility to maintain their American depository receipts and global depository receipts proceed abroad allowing them to use part of these funds for acquisition and expansion purposes in overseas markets.

"In this effect we believe that SGX offers an efficient capital raising venue for Indian companies. Listing on SGX will provide platform for companies to expand their presence in the region, said Hsieh.

"It is the objective of SGX to create a sound, efficient and dynamic market place for raising the capital. In achieving this objective we seek to develop vibrant partnership with our investors, listed companies and other financial intermediaries, he said.

Hsieh said SGX had taken steps in exchanging ngs and expanding its global distribution network.

"In 2001 we launch SGX access, which enables our securities members to allow their traders and customers to trade in our securities market from anywhere in the world through their own trading terminals," he added.