Singapore, China to launch joint ASEAN training programme

This aims to broaden efforts to build regional governance capacity.

Singapore and China have agreed to jointly develop a Singapore-China Third Country Training Programme for government officials from ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste as part of broader efforts to build regional governance capacity.

The two sides also reaffirmed their intention to work with other countries to promote free trade, multilateralism, and a rules-based international order.

Singapore Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong met Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing on 23 June. The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People.

The two leaders marked 35 years of diplomatic ties between Singapore and China, describing the relationship as rooted in longstanding political ties and consistent cooperation. They highlighted joint development projects in Suzhou, Tianjin, and Chongqing as key milestones.

The leaders also reaffirmed their shared commitment to further deepen the All-Round High-Quality Future-Oriented Partnership between Singapore and China in areas such as the green and digital economies and financial services.

Prime Minister Wong and Premier Li also exchanged views on regional and international developments.

Both leaders welcomed the strong momentum in the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and looked forward to signing the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade later this year.

Following the meeting, both sides signed several agreements aimed, including a memorandum of understanding on legal talent development, a letter of intent to explore a senior officials exchange programme, and another letter of intent to establish the joint training programme for ASEAN and Timor-Leste officials.

They also concluded a data-sharing agreement between their respective intellectual property offices.

Additionally, the leaders noted the introduction of a China-Singapore over-the-counter bond market arrangement, which will allow selected Singapore banks to trade and manage Chinese RMB bonds, potentially expanding foreign access to China’s bond market.