Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong commends the launch of Enterprise Singapore’s San Francisco Overseas Centre, emphasizing the longstanding economic ties between the United States and Singapore.
SINGAPORE’S Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, presided over the official opening of Enterprise Singapore’s San Francisco Overseas Centre on 14th November 2023. This event took place during PM Lee’s working visit to San Francisco, California, as part of a broader itinerary from 13th to 18th November 2023.
During the ceremony, Mr. Lee Chuan Teck, Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise SG, and Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis were present alongside distinguished guests. PM Lee expressed his gratitude to the city of San Francisco for hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
Highlighting the historical economic collaboration between the United States and Singapore, PM Lee emphasized the strong ties built over many decades. The US is a key economic partner for Singapore, with the city-state being the third-largest Asian investor in the US, supporting over a quarter million American jobs. The two nations are set to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement next year.
The Prime Minister touched upon the deepening of the bilateral relationship in areas such as climate change, cybersecurity, space, and emerging technologies. He acknowledged the shifting global landscape where strategic and security concerns sometimes override free trade considerations. Despite these challenges, PM Lee expressed hope for continued and strengthened US-Asia relations.
PM Lee encouraged collaboration in trade and innovation, emphasizing Singapore’s commitment to facilitating business opportunities for both Singaporean and American companies. The San Francisco Overseas Centre, launched by Enterprise Singapore, marks a significant step in enhancing engagement on the West Coast, facilitating further cooperation between the two nations.
In his closing remarks, PM Lee thanked Enterprise Singapore for their efforts, expressed appreciation for the support from the US and California State Governments, and extended an invitation for American businesses to explore opportunities in Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region.
Source – PMO
