MFA Press Statement - Official Visit of Vice Premier Wu Yi of The State Council of The People's Republic of China (19-21 September 2005)

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRESS STATEMENT

OFFICIAL VISIT OF VICE PREMIER WU YI OF THE STATE COUNCIL OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA 19-21 SEPTEMBER 2005

1 Vice Premier Wu Yi of the State Council of the People's Republic of China and Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng co-chaired the 2nd Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) Meeting between Singapore and China on 20 September 2005.

2 It was a substantive meeting which covered a wide range of issues. These included hi-tech cooperation; regional cooperation in different parts of China especially in the Northeast and Western regions; helping Chinese companies go global; financial cooperation; human resource development (HRD); cooperation in preventing infectious diseases. Both sides reviewed the progress made since the 1st JCBC Meeting in May 2004. They identified several areas for closer cooperation, including both existing and new areas.

3 Both DPMs also signed and witnessed a number of agreements including, among others, the Singapore-China Human Resource Partnership (SCHRP) for the 21st Century. The SCHRP 21 will foster innovations in HRD training and exchanges to adapt to the rapid changes of globalisation. As part of this partnership, both countries have agreed to jointly extend technical assistance to our neighbouring countries. This significant initiative shows the commitment of both countries to closer ASEAN integration and China-ASEAN cooperation.

4 DPM Wong also raised the issue of Singapore setting up more Consulates in China. For a start, Singapore will set up a Consulate-General in Guangzhou and a Consulate in Chengdu as soon as the official reply is received from the Chinese side. Vice Premier Wu Yi welcomed our decision.

5 Both sides also expressed interest to enhance trade relations and promote investments between the two countries. DPM Wong reiterated that Singapore attaches importance to its relations with China. We have close historical and cultural ties and many shared interests. Both countries reaffirmed the "win-win" approach and adopting a strategic view in the conduct of our bilateral relations.

6 DPM Wong welcomed China's "peaceful development". He commented that a successful China well integrated into the region and the world will benefit all and can be an engine of growth and a force of stability. China can help to narrow the developmental gap within ASEAN. Both countries have an interest in a cohesive and integrated ASEAN.

7 Vice Premier Wu Yi also met PM Lee Hsien Loong, President Nathan and SM Goh Chok Tong.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
20 SEPTEMBER 2005