Intervention by Minister Chan Chun Sing at 25th Suzhou Industrial Park Joint Steering Council Meeting

Introduction

1. Deputy Prime Minister Gan, Vice Premier Ding, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.

2. As the first Government-to-Government project between Singapore and China, the Suzhou Industrial Park, or SIP, has been a pathfinder for bilateral cooperation for the past three decades. Our collaboration has continuously evolved with the times, where Singapore is a constant partner and supporter of China’s development and integration with the world. This has enabled both sides to develop an enduring and forward-looking bilateral partnership through the SIP.

A Proven Model of Growth

3. Today, the SIP stands out as China’s most competitive industrial park, consistently ranking first among other Economic and Technological Development Zones in China.

4. The SIP has grown significantly over the past 20 years. Its GDP has risen ninefold from RMB 40 billion in 2004 to nearly RMB 370 billion in 2023. Today, the SIP is not only an industrial park, but a thriving township that serves its residents and international talents.

5. The SIP’s model is well-recognised and has been replicated within China. It is important that we continue to innovate and build on these foundations to develop the SIP into a World-Class High-Tech Industrial Park that will set the standards for the future.

A Beacon of Cooperation

6. Our vision is for the SIP to be a “beacon” illuminating China’s connections with Singapore and the rest of the world.

7. First, the SIP underpins close people-to-people exchanges, built on trust and mutual understanding between Singapore and China.

a. We have trained more than 4,500 Chinese officials in topics relevant to the SIP’s development needs over the years. Additionally, Singaporean government officials participate in short-term attachments in Suzhou to foster mutual learning and lay the foundation for future collaborations. We should continue these personnel exchanges to plant the seeds for future cooperation.

b. Besides government officials, our students and teachers also have regular exchanges with schools in the SIP, and we have a robust network of school-based partnerships with Jiangsu province.

8. Second, our collaboration evolves in tandem with the priorities of the day for both Singapore and China.

a. The SIP serves as a gateway for the two-way internationalisation of our companies. The SIP International Business Cooperation Centre has facilitated over 150 Chinese companies in establishing a presence in Singapore, and many have set their sights on expanding their businesses in the region, with Singapore as their platform.

b. Singapore’s institutions such as the NUS (Suzhou) Research Institute and A*STAR Partners’ Centre in the SIP provide valuable platforms for joint research and innovation with Chinese partners.

A Brighter Future Together

9. To chart the next phase of the SIP’s development, both sides are finalising a 10-year blueprint, positioning the SIP as a pioneer in the development of sustainable industrial parks, a gateway for two-way internationalisation, a bridge for joint innovation, and a platform to deepen people-to-people exchanges.

10. We plan to strengthen collaborations in green economy, biomedical sciences and digital economy – sectors that promote high-quality development and with global relevance.

a. In the green economy, we aim to pioneer a new growth model for sustainable industrial parks aligned with international standards.

b. In biomedical sciences, we can focus on research collaborations and innovative products tailored to the Asian biology.

c. In the digital economy, we can expand cooperation in paperless trade and enhance digital and trade connectivity.

11. Through the SIP, Singapore and China can work side by side on pressing global priorities, from tackling global carbon emissions and climate change, to addressing healthcare needs of an ageing population, and to contribute to a brighter future for both our countries and the world.

Conclusion

12. As we commemorate the 30^th Anniversary of the SIP amidst a fragile global economic landscape, our mission to inspire cooperation, confidence and connection with the world remains as relevant, if not more so, than it was 30 years ago.

13. And we look forward to commemorating the SIP’s achievements on its 30^th anniversary later this month. Upon this foundation, we hope to build an even brighter future between Singapore and China, and between China and the rest of the world. Thank you.