Speech by SMS(DDI)(H) Tan Kiat How at the Opening Ceremony of the 2025 Chongqing Week in Singapore

尊敬的重庆市政府副市长徐建、

中国驻新加坡大使曹忠明、

高泉庆会长、黄山忠会长、

各位来宾、女士们、先生们：

1. 大家下午好！很高兴今天能与大家齐聚一堂，参与 “新加坡·重庆周” 的启动仪式。我也诚挚欢迎徐副市长以及重庆代表团到访新加坡。新加坡贸工部也很荣幸能与重庆市政府携手，在新加坡共同主办这场充满人文魅力和合作契机的活动。 接下来, 我将以英语继续发言。

2. Ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to join you today for the launch of the Chongqing Week in Singapore.

3. While our partnership is anchored by the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity, or CCI, which was established in 2015, it has evolved beyond policy frameworks. What has truly sustained our relationship is the trust and collaboration between our people, businesses, and institutions. As we celebrate the tenth anniversary of the CCI this year, it is also timely and meaningful to celebrate the spirit and culture of our two cities.

4. Chongqing has long stood out as a gateway to Western China. From its vibrant consumer market and thriving innovation ecosystem to its logistics strengths and deep industrial base, Chongqing presents compelling opportunities for Singapore companies. Just this morning, the CCI – New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor Trade and Financial Conference brought together businesses and public sector leaders not only from Singapore and Chongqing, but also from the region. This is a clear sign that our cooperation continues to grow both in depth and reach.

5. The CCI has also paved the way for cooperation in other areas such as agrifood trade, healthcare, and tourism. In particular, I am very encouraged that the Orchard Road Business Association and Chongqing Jiangbei District’s Guanyinqiao Commercial Zone Office have signed an MOU to pursue collaboration in retail, promotion, and other commercial activities.

6. I had the pleasure of visiting Chongqing again just last week. Standing in the heart of the buzzing Guanyinqiao Commercial District, surrounded by bright lights, creative energy, and bustling crowds, I was reminded again why Chongqing ranks high on the list of must-see Chinese cities by many people, including many Singaporeans. It is a city that is confident, forward-looking, and full of charm.

7. Today’s event is not just about bringing a piece of Chongqing to Singapore – we are also shining a spotlight on the deep, enduring ties between our two cities. Through traditional handicrafts such as the Jiulongpo Paper-cutting Art（九龙坡剪纸）, mouthwatering delicacies like the Rongchang braised goose （荣昌卤鹅）, and unique experiences at the Traditional Chinese Medicine booths, the Chongqing Week offers us the opportunity to experience the spirit and soul of Chongqing right here in the heart of Orchard Road. I was thoroughly impressed by the vibrant showcase of Chongqing’s rich cultural heritage at the fair and the organisers deserve high praise for their thoughtful curation and excellent execution.

8. Later this year, we will have the chance to return the gesture. At the Experience Singapore Week this October, we will bring a slice of Singapore to Chongqing, and share our culture, creativity, and community spirit with our Chongqing friends. Such exchanges lay the foundation for stronger mutual understanding and even broader collaboration across sectors.

9. 在此，我祝2025“新加坡·重庆周”及“机遇中国·品牌重庆”新加坡推介活动圆满成功，也祝渝新同心，情谊长存！

10. Thank you very much. 谢谢大家！