Jiangsu Deepen Collaboration on Social Infrastructure and City Development
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M E D I A RELEASE New High For Bilateral Relations As Singapore- Jiangsu Deepen Collaboration On Social Infrastructure And City Development Minister Heng Swee Keat and Jiangsu Governor Li Xueyong co-chaired 6th Singapore-Jiangsu Cooperation Council Meeting in Taizhou, Jiangsu province today 15 MOUs with combined value of S$1.46 billion signed Two MOUs signed by IE Singapore to drive environmental exchanges and strategic cooperation with Nanjing; MOS Teo Ser Luck, Nanjing Party Secretary Yang Weize and Mayor Ji Jianye to co-chair newly formed Panel for special projects in Nanjing MR No.: 038/12 Singapore, Thursday, 20 September 2012 1. Jiangsu province remains a top choice for Singapore companies expanding into China; as evidenced by the signings of 15 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with a combined value of S$1.5 billion 1 (US$1.2 billion) at the 6th Singapore Jiangsu Cooperation Council (SJCC) meeting held in Taizhou city today. They spanned environmental protection, MRT integrated supervisory control systems, integrated mixed-use developments and R&D collaboration. (Please refer to Annex 3 for more details) 2. In line with Jiangsu‟s 12th Five Year Plan and its “Eight-pronged Development Agenda2”, both sides will enhance economic cooperation in environment services and social 1 Converted to SGD based on https://secure.mas.gov.sg/msb/ExchangeRates.aspx 2Jiangsu‟s “Eight-pronged Development Agenda” refers to 转型升级, 科技创新,农业现代化,文化建设, 民生幸福,社会管理创新,生态文明建设,党建工作创新. It shows that the Jiangsu government ranks „cultural infrastructure development‟, „innovation in social management‟ and „welfare of citizens‟ as highly as „economic transformation‟ and „advancement in science and technology‟. International Enterprise Singapore is the lead government agency driving Singapore’s external economy. IE Media Release 20 Sep‟12 infrastructure services. This will meet the needs of emerging Jiangsu cities, such as Changzhou, Huai‟an, Taizhou and Xuzhou. 3. Singapore‟s Minister for Education, Heng Swee Keat co-chaired the 6th SJCC meeting with Jiangsu Governor Li Xueyong. Meeting discussions included a sterling work report on last year‟s deliverables, as well as a Work Plan charting new directions for both sides in 2012-2013. The Meeting outcomes were summarised by Vice Co-Chairmen, Minister of State (MOS) for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck and Jiangsu Vice Governor Zhang Weiguo. The meeting was held during the business mission organised by International Enterprise (IE) Singapore from 18-21 September. The delegation has visited Nanjing and Taizhou and will set off for Wuxi tomorrow. Minister Heng and MOS Teo met Jiangsu Party Secretary Luo Zhijun, Jiangsu Governor Li Xueyong, Nanjing Party Secretary Yang Weize and Nanjing Mayor Ji Jianye. 4. Said Minister Heng, “As one of China‟s key growth regions, Jiangsu presents new opportunities for Singapore companies. There is an increasing need to integrate economic growth of emerging cities with social and community development. Singapore companies and agencies can deploy their strengths and experience to partner Jiangsu in providing urban solutions, social infrastructure services, healthcare services and other relevant areas. This multi-faceted approach will become a hallmark of our long- term engagement with Jiangsu.” 5. Jiangsu is one of the most prosperous provinces in China. Its GDP increased 11% to S$946.5 billion 3 (US$752.46 billion) last year. To achieve sustained growth and stimulate business dynamism of the province, external trade and foreign investments have historically played an integral role in its growth. IE Singapore signs two MOUS to help Singapore companies expand in Jiangsu 6. The improvement of Jiangsu‟s physical and social infrastructure is at the heart of its developmental efforts. To help more Singapore companies ride this wave of opportunities, IE Singapore signed two MOUs4 at the 6th SJCC meeting. The first MOU with Nanjing government will see the formation of the Singapore-Nanjing Special Projects Cooperation Panel, co-chaired by MOS Teo, Nanjing Party Secretary Yang Weize and Nanjing Mayor Ji Jianye. It aims to deepen and facilitate mutual interest 3 Converted to SGD based on https://secure.mas.gov.sg/msb/ExchangeRates.aspx 4 These two MOUs are part of the 15 signed. Page 2 of 15 IE Media Release 20 Sep‟12 areas for significant projects such as the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) and the Singapore-Nanjing Eco Hi-Tech Island. Both sides will also explore strategic collaborations in high-value, modern services sectors including R&D, environmental services, healthcare, education, infrastructure, tourism and hospitality. This city-level structure supported under the SJCC will offer more direct and practical benefits for Singapore companies interested to explore opportunities in Nanjing; and vice versa. 7. The environmental sector is one of the key sectors that the Jiangsu government places high emphasis on. IE Singapore signed a second MOU with the Jiangsu Environment Protection Department (EPD) to strengthen collaboration in technical training exchanges and information-sharing sessions. To create win-win, both parties are committed to identify demonstration projects that will be driven by Singapore water and environmental companies. Singapore-Nanjing Eco Hi-Tech Island sees good progress 8. Singapore-Nanjing Eco Hi-Tech Island, one of two large-scale projects supported by the SJCC, has made significant progress in the last year. Singapore companies‟ investment interests in the Eco Hi-Tech Island have stayed strong, especially in advanced technology and green-related projects. Two company MOUs for this project were signed at the SJCC meeting. 9. Its development is set to accelerate with approval given to elevate the project to a provincial-level development zone. An Administrative Committee that enables investors to enjoy better support and assistance from the Jiangsu provincial government has also been set up. This will provide investors with a one-stop facilitation platform for application and procedures. Another new development on the Island is the integration of a “Singapore Street”, which will promote Singapore‟s tourism, hospitality, food and retailer sectors. This translates to added opportunities for Singapore companies. Annex 1: Opening speech by Minister Heng Swee Keat at the 6th SJCC meeting Annex 2: Closing speech by MOS Teo Ser Luck at the 6th SJCC meeting [Chinese and English (translated) versions] Annex 3: Information on the company signings Annex 4: Chinese terms ---End--- Page 3 of 15 IE Media Release 20 Sep‟12 Note to Editor Please use „IE Singapore‟ or „IE‟ if an acronym for „International Enterprise Singapore‟ is required. In addition, unless otherwise stated, the use of statistics cited in our media releases, website or Statlink, should be attributed to IE Singapore. Issued by IE Singapore. For media enquiries, please contact: Ms MOK Kai Lynn Manager (Media), Corporate Communications Group DID : + 65 6433 4706 Hp : + 65 9852 5972 Email : [email protected] _______________________________________________________________________ About International Enterprise Singapore International Enterprise (IE) Singapore is the government agency driving Singapore‟s external economy. We promote international trade and spearhead the overseas growth of Singapore-based companies to grow Globally Competitive Companies. IE Singapore attracts global commodities traders to establish their home base in Singapore. Today, Singapore is a thriving trading hub for the energy, agri-commodities and metals & minerals trading clusters. Through our Global Company Partnership, we work with Singapore-based companies to customise total solutions in capability building, market access and financing for their internationalisation. Our global network of overseas centres in over 35 locations provides the necessary connections in many developed and emerging markets. Visit www.iesingapore.com for more information. About Singapore-Jiangsu Cooperation Council The Singapore-Jiangsu Cooperation Council (SJCC) was officially launched on 1 November 2007. Mr Heng Swee Keat, Singapore Minister for Education and Mr Li Xueyong, Jiangsu Governor are Co-Chairmen of the Council. Mr Teo Ser Luck, Minister of State for Trade & Industry and Mr Zhang Weiguo, Jiangsu Vice Governor, assumed the positions of the Vice Co-Chairmen of SJCC and are assisting the two Chairmen in work relating to the council. The Council aims to promote cooperation between Singapore and Jiangsu Province beyond economic areas, including training, tourism and education exchanges. It is formed by political leaders, government officials and private sector representatives from Singapore and Jiangsu. The scope of cooperation includes: Regular high-level bilateral government official visits and exchange activities between the business communities of Singapore and Jiangsu. Exchanging economic data and information to promote and guide bilateral trade and investment. Resolving difficulties encountered in collaborative projects, establishing an excellent cooperation mechanism and an environment conducive for cooperation. Other forms of work which are beneficial for economic and social development. Page 4 of 15 IE Media Release 20 Sep‟12 ANNEX 1 OPENING SPEECH BY MR HENG SWEE KEAT, MINSTER FOR EDUCATION AND CO-CHAIRMAN OF SINGAPORE-JIANGSU COOPERATION COUNCIL (SJCC) AT THE 6th SJCC MEETING 20 SEPTEMBER 2012, 1020HRS TAIZHOU, JIANGSU Your Excellencies, Governor Li Xueyong, Vice Governor Zhang Weiguo, Distinguished Council Members, Ladies