Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Lawrence Wong, concluded a ten-day working visit, focusing on strengthening ties and exploring new avenues of cooperation with the United States.

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong embarked on a significant working visit to the United States, spanning from 5th to 15th October 2023. The visit aimed to bolster the already robust relationship between Singapore and the United States and encompassed key destinations such as Arizona, New York, and Washington D.C.

Arizona: Fostering Decades of Collaboration

One of the pivotal stops on DPM Wong’s itinerary was the Peace Carvin II, an enduring fixture of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) located at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. Established in 1993, this detachment stood as the RSAF’s longest-serving overseas base, underpinning decades of mutual cooperation.

New York City: Investing in Innovation and Collaboration

In New York City, DPM Wong participated in the GIC Investment Forum, a platform renowned for its role in shaping global investment strategies. Simultaneously, he inaugurated a new node of the Global Innovation Alliance, led by Enterprise Singapore. This initiative was poised to facilitate the expansion of tech startups and SMEs based in Singapore into the New York market and the wider United States.

Washington D.C.: Navigating Emerging Landscapes

In the heart of the nation’s capital, DPM Wong met with Cabinet Secretaries and high-ranking officials from the Biden Administration. Discussions centered on avenues to further bilateral cooperation, with a particular emphasis on emerging sectors. Additionally, DPM Wong delivered the opening address at the inaugural US-Singapore Dialogue on Critical and Emerging Technologies, followed by an engaging dialogue at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong was accompanied by a distinguished delegation including Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Communications and Information Josephine Teo, Minister of State for Culture, Community, and Youth, as well as Trade and Industry Alvin Tan. Officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Finance were also part of the delegation.

Source – PMO