Speech by Mr Goh Chok Tong,Senior Minister, at the Opening of the Dalian Ascendas IT Park, 5 September 2007, 6.00 pm aAt Dalian City, People's Republic of China

Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen

1 I warmly congratulate Ascendas and Dalian Software Park on the official opening of the Dalian Ascendas IT Park. Ascendas has chosen an excellent city and location to develop a world-class IT park.

2 The active involvement of Ascendas in industrial park development in China and Dalian did not happen by chance. It is the result of the longstanding friendship between China and Singapore, and a conscious effort by Singapore to support China in its development.

3 Singapore and China are not only old friends, we are also close partners. We have cooperated in many areas to the benefit of our two countries and peoples.

4 Economic cooperation has been a key pillar of bilateral collaboration. China launched its economic reform programme in 1979. At China's request, Singapore has shared our experience with China and helped where we could because Singapore wants to see a modern and prosperous China. In 1994, we embarked on the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) project. I understand that the SIP has become a benchmark for industrial park development in China. Singapore also supports China's regional development strategy.

5 Over the years, China has progressed by leaps and bounds. I have seen this with my own eyes. I first visited China in 1971, and I have returned many times. I have also been to Dalian in 1997. Dalian city and this IT park are shining examples of China's remarkable development, the ample economic opportunities in China and the vibrancy of the country. As China develops and changes, it will need new core competencies. Singapore will be happy to continue to partner China in the next phase of China's development. In this new phase, Singapore will not just be sharing its experience with China. We will at the same time learn from China and benefit from China's growth.

6 One of China's regional development priorities is the "Revitalisation of the Northeast" strategy. Liaoning province is a key area. It is a major contributor to China's GDP and a major recipient of foreign investment. Since 2003, we have established the Singapore-Liaoning Economic and Trade Council. In fact, Premier Wen Jiabao and I witnessed its launch during my official visit to Beijing in November that year. The Council has been actively promoting cooperation between the business communities of Singapore and Liaoning.

7 Cooperation between Singapore and Dalian goes even further back, predating the establishment of the Singapore-Liaoning Economic and Trade Council and promulgation of the "Revitalisation of the Northeast" strategy. As cities which share many similarities, Dalian and Singapore have complemented each other's development. We have cooperated in many areas, including urban planning and development and port management. Recently, the Singapore Cooperation Enterprise concluded an MOU with Dalian to bring 1,200 officials to Singapore over the next two years for training in public administration. This new IT park in Dalian is another good example of how we can work together for mutual benefit.

8 The presence of Ascendas in China has grown over the years. Ascendas has partnered local Chinese governments to build infrastructure to support industrial growth and encourage foreign direct investment. Today, Ascendas has projects which span 10 cities, covering key business and industrial centres like Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin, Xian and of course, Dalian.

9 Outside China, Ascendas is fast extending its reach as a global player. Ascendas is already in 10 countries in Asia and enlarging its footprint across the Middle East. In India, Ascendas created the International Tech Park Bangalore which has acquired a good international reputation. I believe that Ascendas will be equally successful in developing another world-class IT park here in Dalian. Over time, the Dalian Ascendas IT Park will become another major hallmark of close ties between Singapore and China, and between Singapore and Dalian.

10 My warmest congratulations to Ascendas and its partner, Dalian Software Park. I wish you success.

Thank you.