By Rui Hu, Editor
The Open Forum, co-sponsored by Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA) and East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore and organized by China–Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity (CCI) Administrative Bureau, was held in Chongqing on September 24. The forum discusses issues between Singapore and China in politics, economy, humanity, society, safety as well as international and regional cooperation. It plays a critical role in intensifying the communication between Singapore and China and furthering the mutual understanding and friendly interaction between China and ASEAN countries.
The Open Forum was held on Sep. 24 in Chongqing
China-Singapore Forum was co-founded by CPIFA and major research institutes of international issues in Singapore in 1998. A total of some 120 guests were present at the forum, including representatives from both countries, representatives of Chongqing CCI Management Committee and the members of its specialized committees, leaders of enterprises in finance, information communication, transportation & logistics, aviation, and other sectors.
“Chongqing and Singapore should share growth opportunities. Chongqing is the only municipality in western China directly under the central government. It is endowed with regional, ecological, industrial and system advantages, and Singapore has excellent resources, talent, and technologies. Chongqing stands at the new start of the cooperation between China and ASEAN countries. The New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (ILSTC) connects ASEAN with Chongqing. It has a dominant position in connecting the world. Currently, the corridor has connected 166 ports and 71 countries. Achievements of the China-Singapore cooperation so far have expanded from the original four sectors to medicine, education, and tourism. Geographically, the cooperation has extended to other western cities in China. We hope both sides will enhance the confidence in the joint development of both countries,” said Li Yong, Deputy Director and Managing Director at the Expert Committee of China Association of International Trade, in his speech at the forum.
The cooperation between China and Singapore is a wise move. It is in line with the different development stages of China and the development of different regions, CPIFA Vice-Chairman Ou Boqian concluded at the forum. “Chongqing has four strengths and plays three roles in the cooperation between China and Singapore. It is a pivot in this process, especially for the Chongqing-centered ILSTC and for key projects connecting the Belt in the north and the Road in the south. Chongqing is also a center for the development of western China and the relationship between China and the ASEAN,” she added.
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