7th Abu Dhabi-Singapore Joint Forum Continues to Provide Platform for Strengthening of Bilateral Ties
Relationship Sees Progress in Key Areas of Collaboration
MR No.: 047/13
Singapore, 26 November 2013 – The 7th Abu Dhabi-Singapore Joint Forum (ADSJF) was held in Singapore today under the co-chairmanship of Mr Lee Yi Shyan, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Trade & Industry and National Development, and His Excellency Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority of Abu Dhabi.
The Forum, jointly organised by International Enterprise (IE) Singapore and the Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority (EAA) convened approximately 60 government and business representatives from both Abu Dhabi and Singapore, reflects the ongoing and effective growth in the bilateral relationship between the two governments.
Said Mr Lee Yi Shyan, Singapore Co-Chair of the ADSJF and Senior Minister of State for Trade & Industry and National Development, “The Abu Dhabi-Singapore Joint Forum has achieved much since 2007. The number of Singapore companies in the UAE has risen from 90 to 130. These companies have made significant investments in the UAE as well. For instance, Sembcorp recently invested US$80 million to expand its sea desalination capacity in the UAE. We look forward to continuing our close cooperation in the future.
Said H.E. Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Abu Dhabi Co-Chair of the ADSJF and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority, “We have been convening these meetings for many years now, and a lot has been achieved in that time - in areas as diverse as transportation, urban development, technology and the energy sector. The Abu Dhabi-Singapore Joint Forum remains a critically important platform for representatives of the public and private sectors in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.”
Agenda of the 7th Abu Dhabi-Singapore Joint Forum The agenda for today’s 2013 ADSJF included investment and development overviews delivered by economic experts from Abu Dhabi and Singapore, as well as, discussions on key industry sectors of bilateral interest, such as transport and logistics; urban development; and oil & gas. The program also included updates from two existing Working Groups: Semiconductor and Water.
MOU Signing The 7th ADSJF concluded with the signing of an MoU in a longstanding area of cooperation – the semiconductor industry. The Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) announced the launch of an international partnership that will create the Abu Dhabi – Singapore Twin Lab.
The Twin Lab is a unique collaborative effort between research institutions and industry, with A*STAR’s Institute of Microelectronics Singapore, GLOBALFOUNDRIES Singapore Pte. Ltd., and Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.
The project focuses on MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) research and development (R&D) for next generation products for customers that are developing solutions aimed at the mobility, automotive, healthcare, aerospace and consumer markets.
Growing Bilateral Economic Relations Singapore and the UAE’s economic and overall bilateral relations continue to thrive. Total trade between the UAE and Singapore has more than doubled in the past four years, from S$11.6 billion in 2009 to S$25.5 billion in 2012. In 2011, the UAE was Singapore’s largest investment destination in the GCC, with DIA stock rising 6% to reach S$2 billion1.
Achievements of the Abu Dhabi Singapore Joint Forum With policy development and economic growth at the heart of its mandate, the ADSJF has regularly hosted delegations in both states with the aim of exploring areas of mutual benefit and collaborative action. Significant initiatives to date include:
1 Singapore Department of Statistics
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The implementation of a framework in which investors from both Singapore and Abu Dhabi can be assured of investment protection. The Investment and Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) promotes bilateral investment and further strengthens economic relationships.
The establishment of a regional office in Singapore by UAE mobile satellite phone provider, Thuraya.
The first government-private sector collaboration on environmental conservation in Abu Dhabi, in which Pico World (Singapore) Pte Ltd and CPG Consultants Pte Ltd, supported by PUB Consultants Pte Ltd (a wholly owned subsidiary of PUB, Singapore’s national water agency) provide design consultancy services to the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) in the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve Centre of Abu Dhabi.
As part of the “Al Nokhba” training program to develop human capital, 25 engineering students from Abu Dhabi visited the GLOBALFOUNDRIES campus in Singapore, providing deep insights into the semiconductor industry.
The Urban Planning Council, Abu Dhabi and Urban Redevelopment Authority, Singapore signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2012. The three-year agreement formally provides a framework for the exchange of information and the development of human capital between the two organizations.
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Transportation and the Singapore Land Transport Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2011 to deepen cross-government cooperation in human resources and training, knowledge management and project consultancy.
Besides attending the forum, H.E. Khaldoon Al Mubarak also called upon Singapore’s Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security & Minister for Home Affairs, Mr Teo Chee Hean.
ANNEX: Event Photos
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Jointly issued by Executive Affairs Authority and IE Singapore.
For media enquiries, please contact:
IE Singapore Joseph Lim Manager, Corporate Communications Group DID : + 65 6433 4706 HP : + 65 9457 2016 Email : [email protected]
Executive Affairs Authority Ms Christine Gotz TEL : +97124991625 HP : +97150124 1228 Email : [email protected]
About the Abu Dhabi-Singapore Joint Forum The Abu Dhabi-Singapore Joint Forum was established in 2007 with the aim of strengthening economic relations, as well as facilitating government and private sector collaboration between Singapore and Abu Dhabi. The Forum is chaired by the Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority of Abu Dhabi, H.E. Khaldoon Al Mubarak and Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Trade, Industry and National Development, Mr Lee Yi Shyan.
About Executive Affairs Authority of Abu Dhabi The Executive Affairs Authority (EAA) is a specialized government agency mandated to provide strategic policy advice to the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
About International Enterprise Singapore International Enterprise (IE) Singapore is the government agency driving Singapore’s external economy. For the past 30 years, it has been spearheading the overseas growth of Singapore-based companies and promoting international trade.
With its global network in over 35 locations spanning many developed and emerging markets, IE Singapore attracts global commodities traders to establish their global or Asian home base in Singapore and connects businesses with relevant Singapore-based companies for their business expansion.
In the Middle East, IE Singapore is present in four locations, namely Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, and Riyadh.
Visit www.iesingapore.com for more information.
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ANNEX EVENT PHOTOS
No. Photo Description 1 A*STAR’s Institute of Microelectronics Singapore, GLOBALFOUNDRIES Singapore Pte. Ltd., and Masdar Institute of Science and Technology signed agreement at 7th Abu Dhabi- Singapore Joint Forum
Witnesses (Back row from left): 1. His Excellency Mohamad Al- Qubaisi, UAE’s Ambassador to Singapore, 2. His Excellency Khaldoon Al
Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority of Abu Dhabi 3. Mr Lee Yi Shyan, Singapore Co-Chair of the ADSJF and Senior Minister of State for Trade & Industry and National Development 4. His Excellency Umej Bhatia, Singapore’s Ambassador to the UAE 2
Mr Lee Yi Shyan, Singapore Co- Chair of the ADSJF and Senior Minister of State for Trade & Industry and National Development delivers opening remarks at 7th Abu Dhabi- Singapore Joint Forum
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His Excellency Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority of Abu Dhabi delivers opening remarks at 7th Abu Dhabi-Singapore Joint Forum
Please contact Joseph Lim at +65 9457 2016 or [email protected] for the photos.
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