CHONGQING: Singapore and China have signed nine agreements and Memoranda of Understanding, following the conclusion of a top-level bilateral meeting in Chongqing on Tuesday (Oct 15).
The Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) meeting – the highest-level annual forum between China and Singapore – was co-chaired by Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat and Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng.
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They witnessed the signing of the agreements, which covered areas like customs clearance, intellectual property management, education, innovation and communications, as well as smart city development.
Singapore and China inked nine agreements covering areas like customs clearance, intellectual property management, and education, innovation, communications, and smart city development at the 15th China-Singapore Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation meeting on Oct 15, 2019. (Photo: MCI)
Mr Heng and Mr Han exchanged views on the “excellent” state of bilateral relations, said Singapores Prime Ministers Office (PMO) in a press statement.
The co-chairs reviewed topics such as bilateral cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, economic transformation and trade liberalisation, financial cooperation, as well as state-level bilateral cooperation projects.
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They also pledged to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, and directed officials to develop events and projects to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Singapore-China diplomatic relations next year.
The 15th China-Singapore Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation meeting was co-chaired by DPM Heng Swee Keat and Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng in Chongqing on Oct 15, 2019. (Photo: MCI)
Mr Heng said that collaboration between Singapore and China must progress with the times, as both countries embark on a new phase of development.
This is why, on his first trip to China as co-chair of the JCBC meeting, he was accompanied by other members of Singapores fourth generation leadership, including six full ministers.
After the conclusion of the meeting in Chongqing, Mr Heng told reporters that this was as an opportunity for the next generation of leaders to deepen bilateral ties.
“As one of the officials mentioned at one of the intervention yesterday, we are rather unique in being a country that has so many cooperation platforms with China,” said Mr Heng.
“So I think this is something that we value, and both sides value, and wed like to take this forward.”
DPM Heng Swee Keat and the Singapore delegation in Chongqing on Oct 15, 2019. (Photo: MCI)
Mr Heng also highlighted common challenges facing Singapore and China, including environmental protection, food security and an ageing population.
This is the 15th JCBC meeting. Mr Heng said one of the key aims of these annual meetings is for Singapore leaders to understand Chinas development priorities and see how Singapore can play a role.
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Speaking earlier in the day at the meeting, he noted that the JCBCs compreheRead More – Source
