MFA Press Statement: The Seventh Session of the High-Level Russia-Singapore Inter-Governmental Commission, 25 November 2016

Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov at the Seventh High-Level Russia-Singapore Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC7), 25 November 2016. DPM Tharman and 1DPM Shuvalov are Co-Chairs of the IGC [photo credit: MFA]

    Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies Tharman Shanmugaratnam and First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Igor Shuvalov co-chaired the Seventh Session of the High-Level Russia-Singapore Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) in Singapore on 25 November 2016. 

    DPM Tharman and First DPM Shuvalov welcomed the regular high-level exchanges in the past year and the good progress made by both sides to advance cooperation across various sectors.

    The DPMs reaffirmed their strong commitment to the expeditious conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Singapore and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).  Both sides looked forward to completion by May 2017 of the ongoing Joint Feasibility Study for the FTA together with Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.  They also agreed that the FTA will be a good pathfinder for an eventual EAEU-ASEAN FTA.  The EAEU represents a combined market of 180 million people and a total GDP of US$4.4 trillion (S$6.2 trillion) in Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) terms.

    The DPMs welcomed the steady growth of both trade and Singapore investments in Russia.  This includes an agreement that was signed today between Changi Airports International (CAI) and Basic Element and the Russian Fund for Direct Investments.  Under the deal, CAI and its Russian partners will invest, manage and operate Vladivostok Knevichi Airport.

    The DPMs agreed to explore collaboration to support technology-focused incubators and start-ups, including a partnership between Skolkovo Innovation Hub and Singapore’s Action Committee for Entrepreneurship (ACE). The details of the partnership will be finalised soon.

    Plans are also being finalised with the Civil Service College for a study programme for 25 Russian Deputy Ministers in 2017.

    Both DPMs also welcomed the good progress in discussions between the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) and the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (FSVPS) of the Russian Federation to facilitate the two-way export of food products between Singapore and Russia.

    International Enterprise Singapore and Russia’s Agency for Strategic Initiatives signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster further cooperation in trade and investment promotion, and stimulate business activities by offering practical support to enterprises in both countries. 

    The DPMs also welcomed the entry into force of the Protocol to the Singapore-Russia Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) on 25 November 2016, as well as the re-establishment of the Russian Trade Office in Singapore by early-2017.  The enhanced DTA and the Russian Trade Office in Singapore will further stimulate trade and investments. 

    In addition, the DPMs welcomed growing cooperation in the legal sector between the two countries, including the signing of a MOU on Legal Cooperation between the Russian Ministry of Justice and the Singapore Ministry of Law.  Both sides agreed to explore ways for further collaboration between the legal sectors.

    The DPMs encouraged the development of links across a wide range of areas, including the following:

(a)    Programme of Cooperation (POC) between the Government of Moscow and Singapore Cooperation Enterprise;

(b)   MOU between the Moscow Zoo and the Singapore Zoological Gardens; and

(c)    Extension of Collaboration Agreement between Russia’s Sport and Fashion Management Private Limited (Sportmaster) and Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University.

    On the conclusion of the IGC, the co-chairs signed the Joint Statement (attached) and looked forward to the Eighth Session of the IGC in Russia in 2017. 

    Following the IGC, DPM Tharman and First DPM Shuvalov participated in a Keynote Dialogue at the 11^th Russia-Singapore Business Forum (RSBF).  Over 200 Russian and Singapore business representatives attended the RSBF.  The DPMs had a good discussion on the global environment, economic priorities in Russia and Singapore and opportunities for mutual collaboration.

    During his visit, First DPM Shuvalov also visited the Jurong Town Corporation (JTC) Launchpad @ One-North, where he toured and was given a briefing on its facilities. 

    First DPM Shuvalov returns to Moscow this evening.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

25 NOVEMBER 2016

==============

JOINT STATEMENT

OF THE SEVENTH SESSION

OF THE HIGH-LEVEL RUSSIA-SINGAPORE

INTER-GOVERNMENTAL COMMISSION

The seventh session of the High-level Russia-Singapore Inter-Governmental Commission (hereinafter referred to as “the Commission”) was held in Singapore on 25 November 2016 to promote the development of broad-based 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 Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies of the Republic of Singapore Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam and First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mr. Igor Shuvalov.  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 welcomed the signing on 19 May 2016 of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth of the Republic of Singapore.

3.                 The Parties welcomed the signing on 19 May 2016 of the MOU between the Russian Academy of Sciences and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

4.                 The Parties welcomed the entry into force of the Protocol to amend the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Singapore which was signed in Moscow on 17 November 2015.

Trade and Economic Cooperation

5.                 The Parties emphasised 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 signing on 18 May 2016 of the MOU between the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) and the Government of the Republic of Singapore. The Parties expressed their intention to promote cooperation between Singapore and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) through the joint working group established in accordance with the EEC-Singapore MOU.

7.                 The Parties welcomed the launch of the Joint Feasibility Study between the EEC and Singapore on the benefits of a Free Trade Agreement between the EAEU and Singapore.

8.                 The Parties welcomed the intention of the Russia-Singapore Business Council to establish an electronic platform aimed at increasing the turnover of goods and services between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Singapore.

9.                 The Parties expressed their interest in enhancing cooperation between the two countries’ business associations, with a view to utilise their potential in organisation of business-missions and business information exchange, as well as in the development of regional cooperation.

10.            The Russian Party informed the Singapore Party on the establishment of the Autonomous Non-Commercial Organisation “Agency of Technological Development”, which is to support technology transfer and provide assistance for the Russian companies in acquiring foreign technologies and further project implementation aimed at localisation of technology in the Russian Federation.  The Russian Party expressed interest in the development of cooperation in the field of mechanical engineering, pharmaceutical and medicine, and construction.  The Russian Party informed the Singapore Party that “Agency of Technological Development” will be an Agent on the part of the Russian Federation for projects of technology transfer and exchange of experiences.

11.            The Parties agreed to promote interbank cooperation.  This would support the growth of bilateral trade.  In order to remove impediments to the development of cooperation between the two countries’ financial sectors, the Russian Party noted its commitment to inform the Singapore Party on the nature of third countries’ restrictions against Russia.

12.            The Russian Party invited the Singapore Party to attend the 21^st St. Petersburg International Economic Forum from 1 to 3 June 2017 in St. Petersburg and the 3^rd Eastern Economic Forum in September 2017 in Vladivostok.

Regional Cooperation

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

14.            The Parties welcomed the signing of the Programme of Cooperation between the Government of Moscow and the Singapore Cooperation Enterprise.  

15.            The Parties agreed to continue the cooperation of the Government of Moscow with Singaporean partners in developing transport infrastructure (metro control system development, intelligent transportation system implementation and modernisation), and in increasing the attractiveness of public transport in Moscow.

16.            The Parties agreed to facilitate the intensification of negotiations on cooperation between Moscow companies and Singapore companies in the sphere of Moscow’s infrastructure modernisation, using private-public partnership schemes.

17.            The Parties agreed to continue cooperation in the fields of integrated security of megacities, urban development, housing, utilities, e-government, the provision of public services, and research of the best global practices of urban governance.

18.            The Russian Party expressed its readiness to support Singapore’s investors
in the implementation of joint projects in the Russian Far East.  The Singapore Party expressed readiness to inform Singapore companies about the new investment conditions in the Russian Far East.

19.            The Russian Party welcomed the involvement of Singapore companies in the masterplanning of territories in the Russian Far East.

20.            The Parties welcomed the acquisition of the Knevichi Airport in Vladivostok by “Changi Airports International”, “the Russian Direct Investments Fund”, and “Basic Element”.  The Parties also agreed to continue supporting this cooperation using the benefits of support measures, including a simplified visa regime, provided by the Russian Party for the development of the Russian Far East.

21.            The Parties welcomed the cooperation between “Basic Element”, “Sberbank Investments” and “Changi Airports International” in projects of Krasnodar region airports’ development and modernisation.

Cooperation in Agriculture

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

23.            The Parties agreed to facilitate the export of food products from Russia to Singapore, and to facilitate the export of food products from Singapore to Russia. In order to do this, the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance of the Russian Federation (FSVPS) will send an inspection team to Singapore between March and May 2017, upon request by the Agri-food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA).  AVA will send an inspection team to Russia in spring 2017 in order to consider the export of poultry and pork products to Singapore.  Singapore will consider the export of beef products from Russia after Russia has obtained World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) recognition for BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) as a negligible or controlled risk country.

24.             FSVPS and AVA agree to explore the establishment of a system of electronic certification for import and export of products of animal origin between the two Parties.

25.             The Parties noted the successful work of “Olam International” in Russia and agreed to provide the necessary assistance to enable Olam to implement its projects in the Russian Federation.

On the Proposals of the Russian Companies for Cooperation with Singapore

26.            The Parties agreed to continue cooperation in the field of industry between Russian and Singapore companies.  The Singapore Party welcomed the interest of Russian companies to discuss potential projects with the Moscow-based representatives of International Enterprise Singapore, a statutory board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore.

27.            The Parties noted the joint operation of “SIBER” and “ST Electronics” in the framework of the pilot project on testing the AgilFence system at Lytkarino mechanical plant and welcomed further cooperation with the aim of gradually localising the manufacture of the AgilFence system at Rostec State Corporation’s facilities.

28.            The Russian Party noted the interest of JSC "Russian Helicopters" 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 of civilian helicopters produced in Russia.

29.            The Russian Party expressed its interest in arranging supplies of MC-21 passenger aircrafts and Yak-152 primary trainer aircrafts, produced by “Irkut Corporation”, to Singapore and expressed its readiness to hold presentations and consultations for Singapore partners.

30.            The Russian Party noted the interest of “Irkut Corporation” to discuss various forms of industrial cooperation, including production of components and maintenance of civilian aircraft in Singapore, and the interest of "Sukhoi Civil Aircraft" to maintain Russian civilian aircraft delivered to markets in the Asia-Pacific region.

31.            The Parties noted the 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.

32.            The Parties noted “ORGKHIM Biochemical Holding”’s interest to develop its business activities in Singapore through its affiliate, “Orgkhim Singapore Industries Pte. Ltd.”.  The Singapore Party welcomed “ORGKHIM Biochemical Holding” to expand trading, regional headquarter functions and R&D activities in Singapore.

33.            The Parties noted the interest of “NOVATEK” to increase the volume of oil products sold in Asia Pacific regions by “NOVATEK” through the branch in Singapore, as well as in mutually beneficial cooperation in supplies and trading of LNG.

34.            The Parties noted the interest of JSC “Azimut” and “ST Electronics” in the supply of Aerodrome Control Tower simulator and the deployment of “Galaxy” system in Singapore.

 Cooperation in the Legal Sector

35.            The Parties welcomed the signing of the MOU on Legal Cooperation on 25 November 2016, and look forward to jointly enhancing mutual understanding of each country’s legal regime and strengthening legal cooperation in various spheres, such as improving the understanding of the process for the enforcement of court judgments in each country.

Cooperation in the Field of Information and Communication Technologies

36.            The Parties agreed to enhance cooperation in the field of information and communications technologies.

37.            The Parties agreed to continue sharing their respective experiences and knowledge in the implementation and use of digital government and Smart Nation / City technologies, and provide the necessary assistance for the cooperation between relevant agencies, associations, and companies of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Singapore.

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

39.            The Parties welcomed the growth of Acronis R&D Centre in Singapore and the development of its cooperation with Singapore’s institutes and universities in joint research, especially in the area of data protection, cybersecurity, and Smart Nation Initiative.

40.            The Parties noted the readiness of “Acronis” to consider Singapore’s proposals of collaboration with Singapore’s educational institutions to increase the talent pool in the field of new technologies.

41.            The Parties supported the proposal of “Kaspersky Lab” to strengthen cooperation in cyber security.

42.            The Parties supported the intention of “Kaspersky Lab” to expand its cooperation with Singapore research institutions, universities, centers of competence and technological companies on development and implementation of joint products and solutions in the sphere of industrial cyber security, crucial infrastructure protection and safe solutions “Industrial IoT”.

Cooperation in the Field of Science and Education

43.            The Parties reaffirmed their intention to enhance cooperation in the field of education by promoting academic exchanges and partnerships between educational institutions of Russia and Singapore.

44.            The Parties welcomed the initiatives by institutions in the countries of both Parties in promoting the exchange of experience and best practices in the field of teacher education.

45.            The Parties agreed to facilitate the exchange of the best practices in the field of higher education management, aiming to strengthen the competitiveness of higher education institutions and further promote them in the authoritative global ratings of education quality.

46.            The Parties supported scientific and educational institutions’ initiatives to establish bilateral partnership relations, including those facilitated by the Russian Scientific Foundation and the National Research Foundation of Singapore.

47.            The Parties welcomed the proactive participation of scientific and educational organisations as well as of business communities in bilateral conferences and exhibitions.

48.            The Parties noted the successful work of “Educare International Consultancy” in Russia and welcomed the interest of the company to expand its activities in the Russian Federation.

Cooperation in the Field of Tourism

49.            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.

50.            The Parties expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of implementing joint cooperation programmes with ASEAN and APEC, and noted mutual interest in increasing the tourist flow between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Singapore.

Cooperation in the Field of Labour and Employment

51.             The Parties confirmed the intention to implement the MOU signed between the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Manpower of the Republic of Singapore on 17 November 2015 in Moscow, through the organisation of initiatives such as experts consultations on workforce planning and occupational safety and health.

Cooperation in the Field of Transport

52.            The Russian Party informed the Singapore Party of the successful results of PJSC “State Transport Leasing Company” Eurobonds placement in 2016, and of ongoing and planned projects of the company.

53.            The Parties noted JSC “GLONASS” readiness, in case of the Singapore Party’s interest, to cooperate with relevant Singapore governmental bodies and commercial organisations in the sphere of using navigation and communication technologies to ensure transport security, and also to provide additional information materials.

Eighth Session of the Commission

54.            The Parties expressed their satisfaction with the results of the seventh session of the Commission and agreed to hold the eighth session of the Commission in Russia in 2017. The specific dates and venue will be agreed upon through diplomatic channels.

Done in Singapore on 25 November 2016, in duplicate, in the Russian and English languages, both versions being equally authentic.