Chongqing- Mr. Desmond Lee, Minister for National Development of Singapore, observed that Singapore and Chongqing, despite their contrasting histories, sizes, and geographical characteristics, are aligning their sustainability goals.

Desmond Lee, Minister for National Development of Singapore. (Photo/ Vivian Yan)

During a fireside chat at the 15th Chinese Journalists Visit Programme (CJVP) on July 27 in Singapore, Lee noted that both regions share a vision for creating sustainable and livable cities.

Tianjin Eco-City: An exemplary model for Chongqing

Lee's visit to Chongqing brought to mind his involvement in the China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City, a pioneering urban project aiming to cultivate a socially harmonious, environmentally friendly, and resource-efficient city.

Initiated in 2008, the expansive Tianjin Eco-City, covering 30km, has become a conduit for Singapore and Tianjin to foster collaborations, innovate new concepts, and exchange sustainable development best practices. Today, the eco-city is the home or workplace of over 130,000 individuals.

The Tianjin Eco-City's primary focus is the promotion of prefabricated and passive constructions. There's a continued emphasis on integrating technologies for buildings that boast ultra-low or zero energy consumption, wooden structures, and modular designs.

In a recent announcement, Chongqing set a benchmark: by 2027, all new structures in the region will adhere to green building standards, aiming to make 35% of these constructions prefabricated.

Taking cues from the China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City initiative, Chongqing envisions attracting numerous green building and development enterprises, thus crafting a comprehensive industrial framework encompassing real estate, intelligent manufacturing, and energy-conserving services.

BRI: A catalyst for sustainable collaborations

Lee highlighted the inherent challenges in sustainable development, which might entail short-lived inconveniences. Nevertheless, he believes the public must trust the process, understanding that the ultimate goal promises long-term benefits for succeeding generations.

"The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is one platform fostering trust and offering collaboration opportunities," said Lee. "As one of the early proponents of the initiative, Singapore recognizes its potential to foster global and bilateral cooperation and promote free trade. Given Singapore's internationalization and reliance on free trade, the initiative resonates deeply with the nation's values."

Lee perceives the BRI as a bridge allowing Singaporean and Chinese firms to collaborate on sustainable ventures. Models like the China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City can serve as blueprints for other global regions, facilitating a shift towards sustainable practices.

Despite their geographical separation, Chongqing and Singapore are intrinsically linked. Chongqing acts as a pivotal link between the Belt and Road and the Yangtze River Economic Belt, and Singapore serves as a crucial juncture on the Belt and Road. Their combined efforts, particularly in the realm of sustainable development, set a remarkable example for others to follow.

The China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Project on Strategic Connectivity stands as a testament to the potential of high-quality development under the BRI and emphasizes the significance of bilateral efforts towards a greener, more sustainable future.