Xstrata to move sales team to Singapore from Sydney

Xstrata (XTA.L), the world’s largest producer of thermal coal for export, is planning to move its marketing and commercial sales teams to Singapore from Sydney to meet growing Asian demand, sources familiar with the matter said.

Xstrata said it is considering opening an office in Singapore to take advantage of key Asian growth markets, but stopped short of confirming that it plans to make the move.

“Singapore has been identified as the preferred Asian location due to the proximity to the key growth markets of India, China, Thailand and Vietnam,” the company said in an emailed statement, adding that the Singapore office will be responsible for managing marketing, contracts, freight and logistics throughout the Xstrata Coal business.