The China-Singapore (Chongqing) Connectivity Initiative – New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (CCI-ILSTC) Trade and Financial Conference opens on June 11 in Singapore. (Photo/Diyiyan TV-CQNEWS)

Singapore - The China-Singapore (Chongqing) Connectivity Initiative – New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (CCI-ILSTC) Trade and Financial Conference opened on June 11 in Singapore, bringing together more than 200 participants from Chinese and Singaporean governments, enterprises, and institutions across ILSTC regions and ASEAN countries.

Centered on  “Connecting Regions, Integrating Trade, Promoting Growth,” the event served as a platform for dialogue and exchange on strengthening the ILSTC and advancing green and digital cooperation.

Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for Singapore's Ministry of Digital Development and Information and Ministry of Health, stated in the opening address that the CCI-ILSTC has proven itself as an efficient and viable trade route linking Western China, Southeast Asia, and beyond. Container volumes have grown nearly tenfold since 2019, a clear indicator of the Corridor's relevance and resilience.

"Digital technology has great potential to break down barriers and make cross-border trade simpler, more efficient, and potentially enhance SME trade connectivity between China and ASEAN," said Leong Sing Chiong, Deputy Managing Director (Markets & Development) at the Monetary Authority of Singapore, in his opening remarks.

"Robust digital connectivity is not merely about infrastructure but about unlocking economic growth, fostering innovation and ensuring digital inclusion for all," said  Dr. Yoga Affandi, Executive Director of the International Department at Bank Indonesia, in his opening remarks.

Dr. Yoga Affandi noted that ASEAN's effort aims to create a truly connected digital economy—empowering businesses, driving digital transformation in public services and ensuring that every individual in ASEAN can access and benefit from the opportunities of the digital age—thereby building a more resilient and competitive region. 

During the panel discussions, representatives from DBS Bank, Bank of China, Pacific International Lines, and Qingling Motors explored ways to build a more resilient supply chain and strengthen trade and financial ties and cooperation between Singapore, Chongqing, and other regions.

Another panel focused on green and digital connectivity and enhancing Singapore-China flows and regional economic integration, featuring representatives from Ascent Solutions Pte Ltd, Changan Automobile, Proxtera, and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China.

In addition to the CCI-ILSTC Trade and Financial Conference, four parallel events will be held in Singapore: a roundtable on the CCI-ILSTC digital development, a roundtable on CCI-ILSTC green economic development, the 2025 Land-Sea Economic Forum, and a roundtable on the internationalization of the Renminbi.

The China-Singapore (Chongqing) Connectivity Initiative was officially launched on November 7, 2015. It is the third intergovernmental project between China and Singapore, following the Suzhou Industrial Park and the Tianjin Eco-City.

Over the past decade, the two countries have focused on modern connectivity and modern service economy, advancing a series of landmark projects such as the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and the China-Singapore (Chongqing) International Dedicated Connectivity (IDC). To date, they have signed over 300 government and commercial cooperation agreements.