MEDIA RELEASE Singapore-Tianjin Collaboration Focuses on Sustainability and Inclusiveness in Growth
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MEDIA RELEASE
Singapore-Tianjin Collaboration Focuses on
Sustainability and Inclusiveness in Growth
Minister Khaw Boon Wan and Tianjin Mayor Huang Xingguo discussed
economic collaboration and witnessed seven MOU signings at the 5th
Singapore-Tianjin Economic and Trade Council meeting in Tianjin.
MR No.: 039/12
Singapore, Friday, 21 September 2012
1. Tianjin has emerged as a major economic driver for China in recent years. It clocked
one of China‟s highest GDP growth of 16.5%1 in 2011 and 14.1%2 in the first half of
2012. Inclusive growth and sustainability will however be critical issues for Tianjin as it
aims to become a global eco-city.
2. Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan and Tianjin Mayor Huang Xingguo,
Co-Chairmen of the Singapore-Tianjin Economic and Trade Council (STETC),
discussed these at the 5th STETC meeting today in Tianjin. International Enterprise (IE)
Singapore is the Singapore Secretariat for the Council, while Tianjin Commission of
Commerce is the Tianjin Secretariat 3 . Both leaders recognised the good progress
STETC has made, highlighting the Tianjin Eco-City as a major catalyst, and stressed
the need for continuous collaboration in Tianjin.
3. Said Minister Khaw, who also attended the 3rd annual Binhai Forum in Tianjin, “For its
next stage of development, Tianjin will have to pay even greater attention to
1
http://www.china-briefing.com/news/2012/01/27/chinas-provincial-gdp-figures-in-2011.html
2
http://finance.chinanews.com/cj/2012/07-24/4053327.shtml
3
IE Singapore is also Secretariat to six other bilateral councils: the Singapore-Shandong
Business Council; the Singapore-Sichuan Trade and Investment Committee; the Singapore-
Zhejiang Economic and Trade Council, the Singapore-Guangdong Collaboration Council, the
Singapore-Jiangsu Cooperation Council and the Singapore-Liaoning Economic and Trade
Council.
International Enterprise Singapore is the lead government agency driving Singapore’s external economy.IE Media Release 21 September 12
sustainable development and inclusiveness in its growth strategy. With higher
expectations from a growing middle class, urban planning and other social
management policies have to be even more sensitive to the aspirations of a better
educated population. There is much that Singapore and Tianjin can share as we face
very similar challenges.”
4. Seven project signings spanning education, environmental services, healthcare and
lifestyle services were witnessed by Minister Khaw, Mayor Huang, as well as STETC
Vice-Chairmen Vice Mayor Ren Xuefeng and Tianjin Binhai New Area Deputy Party
Secretary He Lifeng. (Please refer to Annex 2 for more details on the signings)
Sustainable Development beyond Tianjin Eco-City
5. The link between GDP and environmental indicators has grown more apparent in China
over the years. Its 12th five-year plan targets to lower energy consumption and carbon
dioxide emission per unit of GDP by 16% and 17% respectively, by 2015.
6. In Tianjin, the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city is a model for sustainable eco-living and
environmental technology innovation. Across Tianjin, the municipality is working to
improve air quality by 2020. Interim targets aim to treat 93% of municipal waste, retire
an estimated 113,000 high pollution vehicles, and invest in 2,000 electric public buses
by 20154. Tianjin also plans to invest US$1.5 billion (S$1.8 billion5) to replace its city
centre‟s coal fired power plants with thermal and gas fired plants in the next five years.
7. The STETC will further collaborate in talent development. In line with China‟s plan to
increase contribution of services to GDP from 43% to 47% by 2015, Tianjin has
successfully increased its own services contribution from 41.5% to 45.3%, a target
mapped out in its 12th Five Year Plan. This is expected to continue growing to 50% by
2015. A good talent base is necessary to support service-oriented sectors. Leveraging
Singapore‟s development experience, Singapore Vocational and Technical Education
(VTE) players‟ offerings, including structured training curriculums, can meet Tianjin‟s
needs.
4
http://www.chinae-vehicle.com/index.php?c=news&a=view&id=315
5
Converted to SGD based on https://secure.mas.gov.sg/msb/ExchangeRates.aspx
Page 2 of 12IE Media Release 21 September 12
Creating Inclusive Growth in Tianjin
8. Tianjin needs to ensure the inclusive growth of its entire business community.
Recognising this, ideas for mutual development of SMEs in both economies were
explored.
9. To keep pace with rising business opportunities and attractiveness for overseas
investments, both governments have initiated and supported various platforms to build
SME capabilities and increase market access. In Singapore, SMEs are encouraged to
sustain growth and expand by internationalising, innovating and raising productivity.
Agencies like IE Singapore and SPRING Singapore provide the necessary support to
help strengthen their capabilities and constantly review their assistance to them.
10. Tianjin launched its own initiative, setting aside some US$185.3 million (S$226 million6)
eight months ago. The “ 科技小巨人成长计划 ” (directly translated as “Little Giant”
Policy) aims to support more than 5,000 SMEs via interest-free loans, credit line
guarantees and more7, and focuses on high-tech industries such as new energy and
technology business, and new industries like eco-technology and culture. Singapore
SMEs too can enjoy selected incentives of this policy, including tax incentives,
preferential manpower and rental policies. This opens the door for Singapore
companies to collaborate with other SMEs in Tianjin. The STETC will work towards
leveraging the policy to promote more commercial exchanges between Tianjin and
Singapore SMEs in tandem with the outlined sectors for focus.
Bilateral Trade and Investment
11. Singapore's trade with Tianjin increased 26.3% from 2010 to reach S$2.7 billion8 (US$2
billion) in 2011. In 2011, Singapore‟s actual investments in Tianjin increased 22.7% to
hit S$894.6 million 9 (US$710 million), making Singapore the fourth largest foreign
investor in the municipality. As of end 2011, cumulative actual investments reached
US$4.4 billion (S$5.5 billion10) with 751 projects. Singapore's investments in Tianjin are
concentrated in the logistics, real estate, environmental and electronics sectors.
[Source of figures: Tianjin Commission of Commerce]
6
Converted to SGD based on https://secure.mas.gov.sg/msb/ExchangeRates.aspx
7
http://news.hexun.com/2012-09-04/145458427.html
8
Converted to SGD based on https://secure.mas.gov.sg/msb/ExchangeRates.aspx
9
Converted to SGD based on https://secure.mas.gov.sg/msb/ExchangeRates.aspx
10
Converted to SGD based on https://secure.mas.gov.sg/msb/ExchangeRates.aspx
Page 3 of 12IE Media Release 21 September 12
Annex 1: Minister Khaw’s Closing Speech at the 5th STETC meeting
Annex 2: Information on MOU / agreement signings
Annex 3: Chinese terms
---End---
Note to Editor
Please use „IE Singapore‟ or „IE‟ if an acronym for „International Enterprise Singapore‟ is
required. In addition, unless otherwise stated, the use of statistics cited in our media
releases, website or Statlink, should be attributed to IE Singapore.
Issued by IE Singapore on behalf of STETC.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms Denise NAH
Corporate Communications Group
DID : + 65 6433 4738
Hp : + 65 9476 9971
Email : denise_nah@iesingapore.gov.sg
_______________________________________________________________________
About International Enterprise Singapore
International Enterprise (IE) Singapore is the government agency driving Singapore‟s
external economy. We promote international trade and spearhead the overseas growth
of Singapore-based companies to grow Globally Competitive Companies.
IE Singapore attracts global commodities traders to establish their home base in
Singapore. Today, Singapore is a thriving trading hub for the energy, agri-commodities
and metals & minerals trading clusters.
Through our Global Company Partnership, we work with Singapore-based companies to
customise total solutions in capability building, market access and financing for their
internationalisation.
Our global network of overseas centres in over 35 locations provides the necessary
connections in many developed and emerging markets. Visit www.iesingapore.com for
more information.
Page 4 of 12IE Media Release 21 September 12
About the Singapore-Tianjin Economic and Trade Council
The Singapore-Tianjin Economic and Trade Council (STETC) was established on 25
January 2007, with the objective of promoting broader exchanges and cooperation between
the business communities of Tianjin and Singapore. The launch of the STETC was
witnessed by Minister for Trade & Industry Lim Hng Kiang and Chinese Vice-Minister of
Commerce Ma Xiuhong.
Mr Khaw Boon Wan, Minister for National Development and Mr Huang Xingguo, Tianjin
Mayor, are Co-Chairmen of the Council. The Vice-Chairmen are Mr Lee Yi Shyan,
Singapore Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry, Mr He
Lifeng, Tianjin Deputy Party Secretary and Mr Ren Xuefeng, Tianjin Vice Mayor. The
STETC is formed by leaders, government officials and private sector representatives of
Singapore and Tianjin.
Page 5 of 12IE Media Release 21 September 12
ANNEX 1
CLOSING SPEECH BY MR KHAW BOON WAN,
MINISTER FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT,
& CO-CHAIRMAN OF THE SINGAPORE-TIANJIN ECONOMIC AND TRADE COUNCIL
(STETC)
H
AT THE 5 STETC MEETING, 21 SEPTEMBER 2012, TIANJIN
Honourable Mayor Huang Xingguo,
Honourable Excellency Deputy Party Secretary He Li Feng,
Honourable Excellency Vice Mayor Ren Xuefeng,
Distinguished Council Members,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning
1. Let me first thank the Tianjin Government for hosting our fifth Singapore-Tianjin
Economic and Trade Council (STETC) meeting, despite being busy with the Summer
Davos, China Tourism Industry Expo and Tianjin Binhai Forum. Yet you have made time to
organise this event. What struck me is that besides your busy programme, today‟s
proceedings have been organised in a highly efficient manner, with many events packed
neatly in a short time. This reflects very well on the competence of your staff. On behalf of
my delegation, I thank you for your warm hospitality and friendship.
2. Singapore and Tianjin enjoy a high level of bilateral cooperation. This year, for
example, we have seen many high-level bilateral exchanges. Singapore‟s Prime Minister
Lee Hsien Loong visited Tianjin three weeks ago, while Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok
Tong was here last week. This is my second visit to Tianjin in two months.
STETC sees good progress
3. As visitors, we were all naturally impressed with Tianjin‟s rapid growth. Last year,
your GDP grew 16%; against a general slowdown in the global economy and still clocked
14% in the first half of 2012. Bilateral trade with Singapore has grown by 26% from 2010 to
US$2 billion in 2011. Singapore‟s investments into Tianjin expanded by 23% over the same
period, hitting US$710 million in 2011.
Page 6 of 12IE Media Release 21 September 12
4. I note our good progress in various sectors. I would like to highlight three areas.
The first area is ports and logistics. PSA made its largest overseas investment here, while
our leading logistics players such as YCH, CWT, PIL and GLP have invested in multiple
facilities.
5. The second area is urban development. The council witnessed just now, many
MOU signings and over the years, groundbreaking ceremonies. Together, our companies
are contributing to the transformation of Tianjin‟s urban landscape. Capitaland, Yanlord and
Keppel Land are familiar names in Tianjin. Several Singapore developers have chosen
Tianjin as their first project site in China. These attest to their confidence in the Tianjin
market. Lian Huat and UOL are good examples. Their projects are progressing well, and I
am glad to hear that UOL‟s Pan Pacific Hotel in Hongqiao District will begin operations next
year.
6. The third area is environmental services. Our flagship Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-
city project is the iconic example. From a salt marsh land to a green and liveable town,
Tianjin Eco-city is a major catalyst for creating environmental solutions. Tri-Tech, Keppel
Integrated Engineering and Singapore Technologies are some companies offering such
services in the Eco-city. Many have also completed landmark environmental projects
outside the Eco-city. For example, Hyflux operates a 100,000 tonne desalination plant in
Dagang; this is the largest in Asia.
Future areas of collaboration
7. These achievements have given us confidence that our bilateral partnership will
grow even stronger. To signal this level of confidence, Singcham set up its Tianjin Chapter
last year. And more recently, Scoot launched a direct flight service between our cities.
Scoot is a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Airlines. I hope that with this new direct
airline connection, we will further boost the number of tourists between Tianjin and
Singapore. I hope to take the Scoot flight for my next trip to Tianjin. However, as I prefer
not to take a midnight flight, I took the Singapore Airlines flight to Beijing this time instead.
8. I support the Secretariat‟s proposal that for our next Work Plan, we will focus on
sustainable growth, inclusive growth and new growth. Let me highlight two areas.
Page 7 of 12IE Media Release 21 September 12
SME Development
9. The first concerns SMEs. SMEs are important players in all countries. In
Singapore, they contribute to 50% of our GDP, and employ 70% of our workers. They form
the backbone of our economy. I am sure it is the same here in Tianjin. Therefore, I hope
that the SMEs from both sides strive to partner one another for mutual benefits.
10. In Singapore, we have been encouraging our SMEs to expand overseas and to
raise their capabilities. We help them do so in different ways, including assistance
schemes. For example, we recently launched the Action Community for Entrepreneurship
(ACE) Beijing Chapter, to specifically support our SMEs in China. Comprising
entrepreneurs, the Beijing Chapter offers networking opportunities, access to mentors and
investors.
11. This is also the reason why we have invited many SMEs in our delegation today.
While chatting with Mayor Huang earlier, we spoke about Ma Kuang and their plans to set
up 500 branches in Tianjin. This can never happen in Singapore. For SMEs, the way to
grow is to expand overseas.
12. I am inspired by Tianjin‟s “Little Giant” policy, “科技小巨人成长计划”. This is a good
reference. Every country tries to grow our companies, and perhaps we can start from
grooming small giants and grow them to big giants later. Everyone is trying to find better
ways to help SMEs grow, and it is not easy. Being small has its disadvantages but being
small also brings some advantages. One can be more nimble and seize opportunities more
quickly. It is important for companies to be alert to what the market wants and to evolve
with it. This requires not just effort, but also smarter approaches. The work plan
presentation and speeches highlighted the development of creative industries and other
aspects of future development. Lifestyle changes open new business opportunities. Places
with a long history like China have plenty of cultural assets. If one can find a way to
package this for the global consumer, it will open up huge opportunities.
13. This is a dynamic process. Governments will be cheerleaders but enterprises must
smell opportunities and seize them. We can cheer companies on, remove obstacles to their
growth where applicable, formulate effective, cost-benefit programs to help them grow.
14. For example, in science and technology, we can cooperate to help potential small
giants seize opportunities. I am inspired by companies like Apple, which have the largest
market capitalisation. Apple is based on ideas and being able to smell out what people
Page 8 of 12IE Media Release 21 September 12
want. As users of iPhones and iPads, we know how user-friendly these devices are and
what users want. This is how companies can seize opportunities and make big money.
Talent Development
15. The second area we should work on is talent development. Tianjin is shifting from
an industrial to a knowledge-based economy. It is critical to maintain your competitive edge
in manufacturing, while developing new advantages in high-tech industries and modern
services.
16. Singapore will be happy to share our experience, for example in tertiary education
and technical training. There is also scope for collaboration in talent development among
our government agencies, training institutions and enterprises. Our mode of collaboration
can begin as young as possible. There are already ongoing student exchanges between
Tianjin and Singapore which is good for both sides. There can be more student, teacher
and even parent exchanges to open their minds to see how the world has changed.
Closing
17. In closing, let me thank the Tianjin government for supporting our Singapore
companies operating here. This is my first council meeting in Tianjin and I am struck by the
intensity of cooperation and the high level of friendship among the Council Members and
the secretariat.. At the end of the day, this is really about friendship. Beyond making
money, this is about making new friends and renewing old friendships. We are one big
family. From collaboration in food, like Goubuli Restaurant, to joint ventures, our friendship
must underline our strategic purpose of the council. This is how governments can evolve
and collaboration between people to people can ensure global progress, peace and
prosperity for all. Thank you.
Page 9 of 12IE Media Release 21 September 12
ANNEX 2
PROJECT SIGNINGS AT THE 5th STETC MEETING, 21 SEPTEMBER 2012
1) Agreement signing between Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City Investment and
Development Co., Ltd. (SSTEC) and Century Water Systems and
Technologies Pte Ltd
Under this agreement, Century Water, a Singapore and advanced water treatment
engineering firm, will establish its regional headquarters in the Eco-Business Park
in the first quarter of 2013. The ultra-pure water treatment and waste water
purification systems and technologies specialist will leverage Tianjin Eco-City as its
strategic base for regional marketing and sales activities in Tianjin and Northern
China. The agreement was signed by Mr Eugene Liu, Managing Director of Century
Water (新加坡森特瑞水系统技术有限公司执行董事，刘军先生) and Mr Ho Tong
Yen, CEO of Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City Investment and Development Co.,
Ltd (新加坡森特瑞水系统技术有限公司总裁, 何东雁先生).
2) Cooperation Agreement signing between Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City
Administrative Committee (SSTEC) and Siemens Limited China (SLC)
Under this agreement, SSTEC and SLC will be setting up a joint venture company
in the Tianjin Eco-City (named Siemens Eco-City Innovation Technologies (Tianjin)
Co., Ltd,) for R&D and test-bedding of innovative sustainable urban solutions. This
is part of the Eco-City‟s efforts to attract world class high technology companies to
utilise the Eco-City as their base and platform for developing solutions that are
applicable and replicable to other parts of China and beyond. In support of this
investment, the Eco-City Administrative Committee (ECAC) would be signing a
Cooperation Agreement with Siemens offering various levels of incentives and
subsidies to assist its operations get off to a quick, successful start. The agreement
was signed by Mr Yang Zhize, Vice Chairman of Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City
Administrative Committee (中新天津生态城管理委员会副主任, 杨志泽先生) and Dr
Arding Hsu, Senior Vice President of Siemens Limited China and Head of
Corporate Technology China (西门子（中国）有限公司 高级副总裁, 西门子中国研
究院 院长,徐亚丁博士).
3) Agreement signing between bYSI and Yangguang Group
Under the agreement, bYSI will set up its first store in Tianjin by the end of 2012.
The agreement was signed by Mr Tan Yew Kiat, CEO of bYSI (bYSI 总经理, 陈友杰
先生) and Mr Li Rui, Assistant President of Yangguang Group (阳光新业地产股分
有限公司助理总裁兼北京瑞京阳光商业管理有限公司总经理, 李睿先生).
4) MOU signing between Ivy Group and Tianjin Haihe River Construction
Development & Investment Co. Ltd
Under the agreement, the companies will carry out a strategic partnership on
kindergarten programmes in Liulin Steel City Center. The agreement was signed by
Mr Jack Hsu, Chief Executive Officer of Ivy Group (艾毅教育机构总裁, 许尚杰先生)
Page 10 of 12IE Media Release 21 September 12
and Mr Han Guanhua, General Manager of Tianjin Haihe River Construction
Development & Investment Co. Ltd (天津市海河建设发展投资有限公司总经理, 韩冠
华先生).
5) MOU signing between Ivy Group and Overseas Chinese Town (OCT)
Under the agreement, the companies will cooperate to introduce kindergarten
programmes and open the first OCT Tianjin Ivy Multiple Intelligences (MI)
Kindergarten in September 2013. The agreement was signed by Mr Jack Hsu,
Chief Executive Officer of Ivy Group (艾毅教育机构总裁, 许尚杰先生) and Mr Feng
Liu, Deputy General Manager of OCT Tianjin (天津华侨城实业有限公司副总经理, 刘
峰先生).
6) Agreement signing between Ma Kuang Healthcare Group and Tianjin Binhai
New Area Health Bureau
Under this agreement, Ma Kuang Healthcare Group will coordinate with the Public
Health Bureau of Tianjin Binhai New Area to invest and set-up a chain of medical
clinics in Xin Jia Yuan community, providing various medical services. The
agreement was signed by Mr Huang Chuan Sheng, Managing Director of Makuang
Healthcare Group ( 马 光 医 疗 投 资 管 理 公 司 总 经 理 , 黄 传 胜 先 生 ) and Mr Yin
Zhanchun, Chief of Tianjin Binhai New Area Health Bureau (天津市滨海新区卫生局
局长, 尹占春先生).
7) MOU signing between Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (SGX)
and State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the
Tianjin Municipal Government (SASAC)
Under the MOU, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration
Commission of the Tianjin Municipal Government and SGX will cooperate to
develop communication channels and foster ties in areas including information
exchange and the listing of Tianjin State-owned enterprises on SGX. The
agreement was signed by Ms Christine Lie, Chief Representative, Singapore
Exchange Beijing Representative Office (新加坡证券交易有限公司北京代表处首席
代 表 ， 李 晞 禔女 士 ) and Mr Li Qingyun, Vice Chairman, Tianjin SASAC Party
Committee Member (天津市人民政府国有资产监督管理委员会市国资委副主任、市
国资委党委委员, 李庆云先生).
Page 11 of 12IE Media Release 21 September 12
ANNEX 3
CHINESE TERMS
Singapore-Tianjin Economic & Trade Council 新加坡-天津经济贸易理事会
(STETC)
International Enterprise (IE) Singapore 新加坡国际企业发展局
(简称：企发局)
Mr Khaw Boon Wan 许文远先生
Minister for National Development 新加坡国家发展部长
Singapore
Co-Chairman 联合主席
Singapore-Tianjin Economic & Trade Council 新加坡-天津经济贸易理事会
Mr Huang Xingguo 黄兴国先生
Tianjin Mayor 天津市市长
Co-Chairman
Singapore-Tianjin Economic & Trade Council 联合主席
新加坡-天津经济贸易理事会
Mr He Lifeng 何立峰先生
Tianjin Deputy Party Secretary 天津市委副书记
Vice Chairman
副主席
Singapore-Tianjin Economic & Trade Council
新加坡-天津经济贸易理事会
Mr Ren Xuefeng 任学锋先生
Tianjin Vice Mayor 天津市副市长
Vice Chairman
Singapore-Tianjin Economic & Trade Council 副主席
新加坡-天津经济贸易理事会
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