(AseanAll) — Singapore Senior Minister of State (SMS) for Manpower & Sustainability and the Environment, Dr Koh Poh Koon, made an official visit to China from 23 to 26 September 2024. He attended the 21st China-ASEAN EXPO (CAEXPO) opening ceremony and visited the Singapore National and Commodity Trade Pavilions on 24 September 2024. He also met with his counterparts and Singapore and Chinese businesses during his trip.
The CAEXPO is an annual trade fair and a significant platform to promote bilateral economic cooperation between ASEAN countries and China. Singapore has been actively involved in the CAEXPO and its related activities since its inauguration in 2004. This year marks the 21st anniversary of the CAEXPO.
The theme for the Singapore Pavilions at CAEXPO, comprising the Singapore National and Commodity Trade Pavilions, is “Singapore-China: A Collaborative Partnership to Advance ASEAN’s Growth” (星耀东盟，新中携手，共创辉煌 ), which highlights Singapore’s role in facilitating ASEAN-China economic cooperation to achieve mutually beneficial growth and prosperity.
The Singapore National Pavilion and Commodity Trade pavilion will feature 15 Trade and Association Chambers from Singapore as well as 27 Singapore companies that are keen to venture further into the Chinese and ASEAN markets. The participating companies showcased a diverse range of products ranging from samples of Singaporean delights such as bak kut teh, Nyonya curry fish balls and chilli crab to educational toys, as well as legal and financial services. For some companies, it was their first foray into the Chinese market.
SMS Koh said, “This is my fifth time attending CAEXPO and I am happy to see that it is as lively as ever. The CAEXPO provides an excellent platform for participants from ASEAN and China to engage in meaningful dialogue, connect and explore business opportunities. As we celebrate the 21st anniversary of the CAEXPO, I am confident that ASEAN-China relations will continue to grow from strength to strength, as we work on furthering economic cooperation between ASEAN and China in areas of mutual interest for thebenefit of our people.”
During his trip, Koh also visited the China-Singapore Nanning International Logistics’ Park Exhibition Centre (CSLIP) to review its progress since his last visit in 2019. The CSILP has since expanded to include the ChinaASEAN Mercantile Exchange (CAMEX) and China-ASEAN Fruit Commodity Exchange Exhibition Centre. CAMEX is a one-stop platform for trade between China, ASEAN countries, other RCEP member countries, and key nations along the Belt and Road Initiative. It aims to assist merchants in entering the vast Chinese market with lower costs, higher efficiency, and improved channels. SMS was glad to note that the CSLIP was thriving and left a note of encouragement as a show of support for them.
SMS Koh also met with his counterparts to strengthen ties and cooperation between Singapore and Guangxi. SMS Koh called on Secretary of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Regional Committee of the Communist Party of China, Liu Ning. He also met with Qinzhou Party Secretary Zhong Changzi during the trip.
