Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong co-chairs key joint meetings in Tianjin, fostering enhanced collaboration and unveiling a comprehensive set of agreements
Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Lawrence Wong, co-chaired the 19th Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) and related Joint Steering Council Meetings in Tianjin, China, on 7 December 2023. Alongside Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, the leaders navigated discussions covering diverse areas of collaboration.
In a bilateral meeting preceding the JCBC, Deputy Prime Minister Wong and Vice Premier Ding underscored the robust ties between the two nations, elevated earlier this year to an “All-Round High-Quality Future-Oriented Partnership.” They acknowledged the increased high-level exchanges and cooperation across various sectors, emphasizing the significance of fostering people and business flows. The leaders also recognized the impact of global challenges such as geopolitical tensions, climate change, and the digital revolution, directing officials to collaborate on addressing these issues.
The 19th JCBC witnessed the announcement of 24 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and agreements spanning crucial domains like trade, sustainability, digital economy, and public health. Notable agreements include the China-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (CSFTA) Further Upgrade Protocol, and collaborations in agriculture, education, and environmental cooperation.
Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang highlighted the comprehensive and progressive nature of Singapore-China cooperation, agreeing to adopt a forward-leaning approach to capitalize on emerging opportunities. The leaders welcomed the CSFTA Further Upgrade Protocol, signaling deeper collaboration. Efforts to revitalize the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City (TEC) were also endorsed, focusing on green and digital economy initiatives. Cultural and educational exchanges were emphasized, with plans for a mutual 30-day visa exemption arrangement to facilitate people-to-people links.
The 24th China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) Joint Steering Council (JSC) Meeting reaffirmed the SIP’s role as a model for collaboration. Both sides expressed support for SIP’s achievements in areas such as green development and innovation. The 15th Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City (TEC) JSC Meeting highlighted the progress of the TEC over 15 years, unveiling a new project collaboration framework for sustainable and liveable cities.
In the 7th China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity (CCI) JSC Meeting, both sides welcomed progress in economic integration and emphasized the importance of the CCI-New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor.
On the Singapore side, key ministers attended, including Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing, and Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung.
Following the meetings, Deputy Prime Minister Wong and Vice Premier Ding will partake in Tianjin Eco-City 15th Anniversary (TEC15) Commemorative Events, reinforcing the commitment to bilateral ties and collaboration.
Source – MFA
