Singapore  - Singapore construction consultancies clinched 406 overseas projects last year with China in the top spot followed by India, a Building and Construction Authority survey released Friday said.

The total was up from 360 in 2006.

China emerged as the largest overseas market with 137 projects, the authority said. India secured 90 contracts. Vietnam and Malaysia remained attractive along with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

The most sought-after services were architectural and master planning.

The Middle East was the leading market for Singapore construction exports at 1.7 billion Singapore dollars (1.2 billion US dollars) in deals signed compared with 200 million Singapore dollars in China. (dpa)