MFA Press Statement: The Eighth Session of the High-Level Russia-Singapore Inter-Governmental Commission, 17 October 2017

DPM Tharman Shanmugaratnam and First DPM Igor Shuvalov at the start of the Eighth Session of the IGC at Skolkovo Innovation Centre, 17 October 2017. [Credit: MFA, Singapore]

DPM Tharman Shanmugaratnam and First DPM Igor Shuvalov signing the Joint Statement of the Eighth Session of the IGC at Skolkovo Innovation Centre, 17 October 2017. [Credit: MFA, Singapore]

Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies Tharman Shanmugaratnam chaired the Eighth Session of the High-Level Russia-Singapore Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC8) together with First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation in Moscow on 17 October 2017. Both sides reaffirmed the steady growth in the strength and substance of the bilateral relationship between Singapore and Russia, supported by the IGC.

First, both DPMs reviewed the good progress made in the negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Singapore and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which comprises Russia and four other countries in the region.[i] They welcomed the launch of the FTA negotiations and looked forward to the second round of negotiations in Moscow in November 2017, following the completion of the Joint Feasibility Study for the FTA. The EAEU-Singapore FTA, when concluded, will pave the way for Singapore and Russia to strengthen the economic linkages between both countries and their respective regions. 

          Second, both DPMs took stock of the good progress made since the seventh session of the IGC held on 25 November 2016. As a follow-up from IGC7, Singapore welcomed the signing of an MOU between the Singapore Civil Service College and the Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA) during Minister for Open Affairs Mikhail Abyzov’s visit to Singapore in May 2017 to pave the way for exchanges and training.

          Third, Singapore and Russia are expected to commence mutual food exports soon, especially in poultry exports from Russia and fish exports from Singapore, following the site inspections and exchange of audit reports by Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (FSVPS), and Singapore’s Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA).

          Fourth, both sides reviewed the growing commercial collaborations between Singapore and Russia, particularly in the service, aviation, energy, and agriculture sectors. 

(i)                Olam International Limited, through Rusmulco is one of the largest suppliers of premium milk in Russia. It is already a major contributor to the agricultural industry in Russia’s Penza region, and is keen to further expand in Russia’s agriculture sector. 

(ii)             Changi Airport International, via a joint venture including Sberbank and Basic Element, has doubled passenger traffic at the Airports of the South (AoS), which the joint venture manages. CAI has also acquired the Vladivostok Airport in the Russian Far East together with RDIF and Basic Element.

(iii)           Surbana Jurong, following the successful implementation of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Pskov region, is exploring further opportunities.

(iv)           NuStar Technologies is looking to expand its presence in Russia’s oil and gas industry, having established partnerships in Moscow, and looks forward to continued collaboration with Russian companies, particularly in the area of knowledge transfer.

Fifth, the DPMs witnessed the signing of the MOU between the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) and the Institute of Modern Arbitration of the Russian Federation, including a relationship in training, which serves as an important first step towards establishing a mutually beneficial relationship between the two institutions.

          Sixth, 2018 marks the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Russia. Both DPMs agreed that there is much potential for cooperation in new areas such as in innovation and the digital economy.

          Both DPMs also signed the Joint Statement (attached) upon the conclusion of the IGC, and looked forward to the Ninth Session of the IGC in Singapore in 2018.

.    .    .    .    .

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Singapore

17 October 2017

JOINT STATEMENT

OF THE EIGHTH SESSION

OF THE HIGH-LEVEL RUSSIA-SINGAPORE INTER-GOVERNMENTAL COMMISSION

The Eighth session of the High-level Russia-Singapore InterGovernmental Commission (hereinafter referred to as “the Commission”) was held in Moscow on 17 October 2017 to promote the development of broadbased cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Singapore and the Government of the Russian Federation (hereinafter referred to as “the Parties”).

The session was co-chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mr. Igor Shuvalov and Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies of the Republic of Singapore Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam.  The meeting was held in an atmosphere of cordiality, friendliness and mutual understanding.

The agenda is attached at Annex I.

The lists of the delegations of the Parties are attached at Annex II. The Parties agreed on the following areas of cooperation.

Bilateral Relations between Russia and Singapore

1.                 The Parties agreed to expedite the preparation and endorsement of bilateral agreements which are currently under consideration.

2.                 The Parties agreed to work towards holding the ground-breaking ceremony of the Russian Cultural Center complex, which will house a Russian Orthodox Church, in the Republic of Singapore in 2018, in conjunction with the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Singapore and the Russian Federation.

3.                 The Parties agreed to continue cooperation within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth of the Republic of Singapore, signed on 19 May 2016. 

4.                 The Parties welcomed the signing of the MOU between the Civil Service College of the Republic of Singapore and the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration on Cooperation and Exchange in the Field of Capacity Building of Government Officials on 5 May 2017, during the study visit by Russian Ministers, Deputy Ministers and senior officials to Singapore, as a follow-up to discussions of IGC7.

Trade and Economic Cooperation 

5.                 The Parties emphasized the potential for further intensification of economic cooperation and business ties and noted the importance of strengthening trade, investment and economic relations between Russia and Singapore.

6.                 The Parties welcomed the launch of the negotiations between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), its member countries and the Republic of Singapore on a Free Trade Agreement between the EAEU and Singapore, the first round of which was held on 29-31 August 2017 in the Republic of Singapore. 

7.                 The Parties noted the current work of the state export and external trade support institutions of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Singapore (Russian Export Center Group and International Enterprise Singapore) to support both countries’ exporters and importers, assisting those in the research for the partners, buyers and suppliers, and providing up-to-date information on the incentives, support programs and financing options available for projects in Russia and Singapore. The Parties further expressed hope that more exporters and importers would contact the agencies to explore opportunities in Russia and Singapore. 

8.                 The Parties welcomed collaboration between the two countries' innovative enterprises and expressed the desire to see it develop further.

9.                 The Parties recognized the efforts of Russian development institutions, including the Skolkovo Foundation, in promoting the bilateral agenda of cooperation in high technologies.

10.            The Parties agreed to support the Skolkovo Foundation in its efforts to organize and implement a business mission of Russian innovative companies  to Singapore in 2018.

11.            The Parties welcomed the Russia-Singapore Business Council activities in the development of the information-service export-import B2B platform RSTrade created to enhance bilateral and multilateral trade and industrial cooperation in the area of production and sales of high-tech products and services as well as to expand the mutual investment opportunities. 

12.            The Parties welcomed the initiative of the Russia-Singapore Business Council to establish in Singapore a Center for promotion of high-tech products. The mission of the Center is the integration of advanced technologies and competitive products, their customization and localization for further promotion to the markets of third countries, which aims to increase the volume of trade turnover between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Singapore along with the share of high-tech civilian products in its structure. The Parties noted that from the Russian side, the State Corporation Rostec is ready to act as a general partner.

13.            The Parties welcomed the activities of Russian medical equipment and specialized software manufacturers (Rostec enterprises, YSAR +) in the development of international cooperation with foreign partners from Singapore (KeyAsic from United Crest Healthcare holding), which resulted in the decision to launch a pilot international project in the field of telemedicine in one of the Russian regions.

14.            The Parties welcomed the joint initiative of the Rostec State Corporation and the Russia-Singapore Business Council to expand cooperation with the Singapore companies regarding maintenance and repairs of aviation equipment, development of complete solutions in the sphere of air traffic control in the interest of regional customers, training of aviation specialists.

15.            The Parties noted the 2nd International Conference "RussiaSingapore Business Dialogue" organized by the Russia-Singapore Business Council and noted the Russia-Singapore Business Council’s proposal to hold the 3^rd International Conference in 2018 in Singapore.

16.            The Russian Party invited the Singapore Party to attend the  22^nd St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which will be held on 24-26 May 2018 in St. Petersburg, the 4^th Eastern Economic Forum in 2018 in Vladivostok, and Russian Energy Week in 2018.

17.            The Parties welcomed the organization of Russia-Singapore Business Forum on the sidelines of the Commission on 17 October 2017 in Moscow.

Regional Cooperation 

18.            The Parties expressed their intention to further develop cooperation between regions of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Singapore.

19.            The Russian Party expressed readiness to continue support for Singapore investors who are implementing joint projects in the Far East of the Russian Federation, including within the framework of the advanced special economic zones and the Free Port of Vladivostok.

20.            The Singapore Party confirmed its interest in implementing projects in the Far Eastern Federal District of Russia and confirmed its readiness to continue informing Singapore companies about new investment conditions in the macroregion with the assistance of the Russian side.

21.            The Parties noted the successful collaboration between “Changi Airports International”, “the Russian Direct Investments Fund”, and “Basic Element” in the acquisition of Knevichi Airport in Vladivostok. The Parties encouraged further cooperation in the development of the airport using the benefits of support measures provided by the Russian Party for the development of the Russian Far East, such as an Open Sky regime and electronic visa facility. 

22.            The Parties further noted the success of Basel Aero – a joint venture between Basic Element, Changi Airports International and Sberbank that owns and manages the airports of Sochi, Krasnodar, Anapa and Gelendzhik. The group has doubled its total passenger traffic to 10 million passengers in five years.  Anapa has seen the opening of the new terminal. Plans are underway for the new terminal in Krasnodar that can double the capacity of the regional hub of southern Russia. Sochi airport has doubled its passenger throughput and could evolve into an international year-round resort with the implementation of such measures as an electronic visa facility. The partners appreciate and welcome continuous support of the Russian Party.

Cooperation in Agriculture 

23.            The Russian Party confirmed its readiness to broaden partnership  with the Republic of Singapore in the sphere of agricultural investment cooperation and to support Singapore companies in the implementation of joint agricultural projects in the Russian Federation.

24.            The Parties agreed to continue cooperation to facilitate the increase of supply of agricultural products (pork, beef, poultry, fish and other related products) to both Parties’ markets.

25.            The Russian Party, taking into account the experience of the Russian Federation in the prevention and elimination of transboundary animal diseases, invited Singaporean experts to visit the Federal Center for Animal Health (FGBU "ARRIAH"), subordinated to the Rosselkhoznadzor, in order to establish scientific cooperation. The date of the visit of the Singaporean specialists to be coordinated additionally.

26.            The Singapore Party has provided information on the veterinary and sanitary norms and requirements for various livestock produce (meat, milk, fish, forage, pharmaceutical products for veterinary use), requested by the Russian Party in August 2017.

27.            With regard to the inspection of Russian meat processing plants, held in March 2017, the Singapore Party is prepared to allow two Russian plants, which passed the inspection, to supply heat-treated processed products. As for the pig plant, the Russian Party will shortly provide the information on the outbreaks of African swine fever, requested by the Singapore Party. The Singapore Party will examine this information as soon as possible and will make a decision on granting permission to the said plant to export its produce to the Singapore market. As for the poultry plant, the Singapore Party will examine the information on the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza provided by the Russian Party as soon as possible and will make a decision on granting permission to the said plant to export its produce to the Singapore market. 

28.            With regard to inspection of the Singapore meat and fish processing plants, held in March 2017, the Russian Party will make a decision on the registration of the meat and fish processing plants for export to Russia after the Singapore Party fulfils the recommendations listed in the Preliminary Report on FSVPS Experts Inspection Conducted on Singapore Enterprises for Production of Meat and Fish Products for compliance with the veterinary and sanitary requirements and standards of the EAEU and the Russian Federation. 

The Singapore Party will study the recommendations and provide comments and assurances to the Russian Party.  Thereafter, the Russian party will make a decision on the registration of processing plants for export to the Russian market.

On the Proposals of the Russian Companies for Cooperation with Singapore 

29.            The Parties agreed to continue cooperation in the field of industry between Russian and Singapore companies.   

30.            The Parties noted that following the results of IGC7, SIBER and ST Electronics continued their efforts to implement the AgilFence system on sites protected by SIBER, the in-house security of Rostec State Corporation. The first tangible results of the implementation of the AgilFence system in Russia will be presented in 2018.

31.            The Russian Party represented by PJSC “United Aircraft Corporation” expressed its interest in organizing supplies to Singapore of the new mid-range aircraft MС-21. The Russian Party expressed its readiness to hold presentations and consultations for potential Singapore partners.

32.            The Russian Party represented by JSC "Russian Helicopters" confirmed its interest in developing bilateral cooperation in the area of supply and after-sales support of Russian civilian helicopters, and also confirmed its readiness to hold presentations and expert consultations concerning supply and after-sales support of civilian helicopters produced in Russia.

33.            The Parties welcomed the intention of JSC "Ruselectronics" to develop joint projects with Singapore partners in the field of satellite payload, navigation, X-Ray inspection systems.

34.            The Parties supported the intention of JSC "United Engine Corporation" to develop cooperation with the Singapore side on the design and manufacture of products made of polymer composite materials, and to continue consultations on the possible organization of service bases for after-sales service of aviation equipment in the South-East Asia region.

35.            The Russian Party expressed disappointment that the contract on LNG supplies to Singapore between GAZPROM Group and Pavilion Gas Pte Ltd had lapsed because Pavilion Gas Pte Ltd was not able to obtain LNG import license within the period stipulated in the contract. The Russian Party confirmed its intention to continue the dialogue on LNG supplies to Singapore from GAZPROM Group portfolio. The Singapore Party noted that the import of LNG to Singapore is conducted by companies including Pavilion Gas Pte Ltd on a purely commercial basis. The Parties welcomed Singapore companies to work with Gazprom Group to form mutually beneficial commercial partnerships. 

36.            The Parties noted interest of PJSC “Gazprom” in further development of cooperation with Singapore companies on LNG and other hydrocarbons supplies to Singapore from Gazprom Group’s portfolio as well as development of other offshore joint projects.

37.            The Parties welcomed the activities of “ORGKHIM Biochemical Holding”’s affiliate in Singapore - “Orgkhim Singapore Industries Pte. Ltd.”, as well as the intention of “Orgkhim Singapore Industries Pte. Ltd.” to intensify the implementation of investment projects in the South-East Asia.

          Cooperation in the Field of Information and Communication Technologies

38.            The Parties agreed to explore collaboration in the sphere of emerging information and communications technologies like data analytics, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT) and security in the use of information and communication technologies.

39.            The Parties agreed to expedite consideration of the reduction of international communication services tariffs between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Singapore. 

40.            The Parties supported the three years of Acronis' operations in Singapore and its results, including the establishment of the R&D center of data protection technologies in Singapore, cooperation with A* STAR Research Institutes and leading Singapore's Universities in conducting joint research projects, and welcomed the active participation of Acronis in training of local professionals in the field of IT and in helping SMEs and other businesses in the region digitalize, as well as its contribution to the work of IT Associations. 

Cooperation in the Field of Science and Education

41.            The Parties expressed their intention to intensify cooperation in the field of education by encouraging the development of direct partnerships between educational organizations of Russia and Singapore to foster collaboration and academic mobility. To this end, the competent ministries of the two countries will work on the possibility of signing a Memorandum of understanding in the field of higher education and other areas of mutual interest.

42.            The Russian Party informed the Singapore Party that within the framework of the development of bilateral cooperation in the field of education 2 state scholarships were allocated for the education of Singapore citizens in Russian educational organizations of higher education for the 2017/2018 academic year. 

43.            The Parties emphasized the value in the further development of inter-university cooperation through the Russia-ASEAN University Forum, held at the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) campus and jointly organized by the ASEAN Secretariat, Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) University and the FEFU.  

Cooperation in the Field of Tourism

44. With the purpose to step up interaction in the sphere of tourism, the Parties agreed to exchange experience and information in the field of the state marketing strategy and tourism projects. 

Cooperation in the Legal Sector

45.            The Parties welcomed the signing of the MOU between the Singapore International Arbitration Centre and the Institute of Modern Arbitration of the Russian Federation on 17 October 2017, which serves as an important first step towards a mutually beneficial relationship between the two institutions. 

46.            The Parties agreed to explore and carry out further cooperative activities under the MOU of Legal Cooperation that was signed on 25 November 2016. 

Ninth Session of the Commission

47. The Parties expressed their satisfaction with the results of the eighth session of the Commission and agreed to hold the ninth session of the Commission in Singapore in 2018. The specific dates and venue will be agreed upon through diplomatic channels.

Done in Moscow on 17 October 2017, in duplicate, in the Russian and English languages, both versions being equally authentic. 

[i] The EAEU comprises Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia.