Singapore-Shandong Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference & Opening Ceremony of the 2025 Singapore-Shandong Week - SMS Jeffrey Siow

尊敬的邓云锋会长、

尊敬的曹忠明大使、

各位来宾， 

大家下午好！

1.   很高兴今天能够出席中国山东-新加坡经贸合作交流会，和2025年《新加坡山东周》开幕仪式。

2.   在这里，我要特别欢迎邓会长、以及来自山东的官员和朋友们来到新加坡！

3.   接下来 ，我会用英语发言。

Resilient ties between Singapore and Shandong

4.   In June this year, I visited Beijing and Tianjin, as part of my Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s official visit to China.

a.   This year marked 35 years of Singapore – China diplomatic relations. 

b.   And over these decades, our bilateral ties have grown steadily, based on mutual respect, trust and friendship. 

5.   Within this partnership, Shandong holds a special place. 

a.   It is the third-largest provincial economy in China, with a population of over 100 million and a GDP larger than most countries. 

b.   Shandong has strong industries, rich resources, and a long maritime tradition – which make it a very natural partner for Singapore

6.   I was telling Mr Deng Yunfeng, President of Shandong Overseas Friendship Association, that I confess I have not had the chance to visit Shandong yet. 

a.   But I have heard so much about its scenic landscape, rich culture and history, 

b.   including the origin of my favourite sport, football - Cuju, 

c.   and there is the hometown of Confucius in Qufu city,

d.   the springs of Jinan, 

e.   the coastline of Qingdao, 

f.   and the majestic views from Mount Tai. 

7.   So I am very happy to have this chance to be newly appointed as the co-Chairman of the Singapore – Shandong Business Council, which will give me an opportunity to travel to Shandong, hopefully next year. 

8.   The Singapore – Shandong Business Council was the first provincial-level business council between Singapore and China, and it was established as far back as 1993. The council has worked very hard to facilitate many mutually beneficial collaborations since then. 

a.   Last year, trade between Singapore and Shandong grew to RMB 73.9 billion. This was a 28% increase from the year before. 

b.   Singapore companies have together invested in more than 2,000 projects in Shandong cumulatively. 

Deepening partnerships in focus areas of mutual interest 

9.   Singapore and Shandong are strong partners because we have complementary strengths. 

a.   Shandong is a key economic centre in Northern China, and Singapore is a global hub for trade, finance and of course, my industry, transport. 

b.   By working together, we can combine Shandong’s scale and capabilities with Singapore’s networks and international connections. 

10.   That is why the Singapore – Shandong Week is a valuable platform to bring together our businesses, our officials and our communities. 

a.   Last year, in its inaugural edition, over 100 Shandong companies showcased their products to more than 7,000 visitors. 

b.   I am glad to see the event return this year, and I hope that even more partnerships and friendships will be built over the coming week.

11.   Today, we will be witnessing the signing of 18 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) across areas such as sustainability, finance, trade, culture and tourism. 

a.   These represent bridges of trust and collaboration that will create mutually beneficial partnerships.

12.   One example is the strategic partnership in energy trading between Singapore-based trader Trafigura and Shandong Qicheng Petrochemical.

a.   This partnership will strengthen the cross-border energy relationship between Singapore and Shandong. 

b.   I look forward to welcoming more Shandong companies to leverage Singapore’s robust trade eco-system in seeking out more partners and collaborations like this. 

Green economy

13.   Another important area of collaboration is the green economy, which Singapore and Shandong both recognise as essential for long-term growth. We can work together to pioneer solutions that serve as models for other regions. 

14.   For example, the Jinan – NTU Green Technology Research Institute (GreenTRI). 

a.   This is a pioneering collaboration between the Nanyang Technological University, Jinan Start-up Area, and Shandong University. 

b.   The GreenTRI is translating science and technology research for industry applications in green technology, and it has also facilitated over 15 student exchanges so far. 

Connectivity and Supply Chains

15.   We also see great potential in maritime collaborations. 

a.   Singapore and Shandong are historically strong maritime partners because of how we fit together in key supply routes. 

b.   We possess complementary strengths in automation and maritime innovation. 

c.   The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and Shandong Provincial Transport Department have signed an MOU last year to jointly establish a Singapore – Shandong Green Digital and Shipping Corridor. 

d.   This includes projects such as exchange of information to facilitate port clearances and crew training for vessels using alternative fuels.

Tourism

16.   Beyond economic cooperation, enhancing people-to-people exchanges is a cornerstone of Singapore-Shandong cooperation. 

a.   There is room for us to strengthen collaboration in the tourism sector, given Shandong’s cultural and Singapore’s own local distinct heritage. 

b.   Our Singapore companies are also contributing to tourism development in Shandong. 

17.   For example, Keppel Corporation is actively participating in the S-Garden project, from conceptualisation to implementation.

a.   This project, located in Jinan, is a demonstration of a greenhouse garden project with elements of ecological immersion, cultural exhibitions and recreational activities. 

b.   The S-Garden will open its door to the public next month, and I look forward to visiting it myself and be one of the additional tourists that our project will hopefully engender.

18.   Please let me conclude my speech in Mandarin. 

19.   最后，请让我用中文来总结。 

Conclusion

20.   我其实还没有去过山东，但今天看到了风筝制作和传统戏法，已经感受到山东的魅力。

21.   山东周是个交流合作的好机会。

22.   很感谢山东朋友一路的支持，让我们携手走得更远。祝活动圆满成功。

23.   谢谢大家！