Singapore  - Singapore is considered the easiest place to do business in Asia, the US Commercial Service in the city-state said Monday.

US export data reflects Singapore's "important role as a major distribution centre, serving as the gateway to the region," the commercial service said on its website.

"Many of the US products imported into Singapore are eventually re-exported as finished and semi-finished products to other markets in South-east Asia and worldwide," it noted.

Singapore is the ninth-largest export market for manufactured goods from the US and its 15th largest trading partner.

The commercial service at the US embassy in Singapore helped 187 US exporters secure sales reaching at least 70 million US dollars last year, up from 52 million US dollars in 2006.

The service, which helps US businesses export to Asia, has offices in more than 80 countries. It focuses on the number of firms securing sales in the region, particularly for the first time.

Among the opportunities seen for US firms in Singapore are such industry sectors as aircraft and parts, laboratory and scientific instruments, telecommunications equipment, oil and gas gear, medical devices, construction tools and testing equipment. (dpa)