Closing Remarks By MOS Lee Yi Shyan at the Abu Dhabi-Singapore Joint Forum Meeting

CLOSING REMARKS BY MR LEE YI SHYAN, MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, AT THE ABU DHABI-SINGAPORE JOINT FORUM MEETING, 12 MARCH 2008, 5.30 PM AT EMIRATES PALACE, ABU DHAB 

Your Excellency, Khaldoon Al Mubarak

Distinguished Guests,

I would like to thank the presenters for the very informative session. The presentations we have seen today have given us a better understanding of the exciting developmental initiatives taking place in our regions.

Looking at the urbanization developments illustrated in “Abu Dhabi’s 2030 Urban Master plan” and the “Masdar Zone Development Plan”, I see a lot of opportunities for us to work together. The 2030 Master plan project demonstrates the far-sighted thinking and imagination that the leaders of Abu Dhabi have and I am very confident that your vision will be realized.

On “Masdar City”, the first time I saw the project was only last year. Today, we saw a lot more details on how it is going to be developed and work. I would like to congratulate the team for making very good progress within such a short span of time.

The Abu Dhabi industrial initiative represented yet another approach to diversify the economy. The 137 square kilometers project reminded many of us of the 70 square kilometers project near Shanghai that Singapore has helped China to build. It was a very successful project and has now become a benchmark for the development of industrial zones in China. Our companies will be very happy to host you should you have the opportunity to visit the park.

The other presentations on the “Punggol 21 Master-plan” and Singapore’s water sustainability strategy, policies and technologies showcased some of Singapore’s development experiences.

Let me take this opportunity to share with you our three key guiding principles and values of our development. First, it is must be people-oriented. We hope our initiatives will help improve the quality of lives of Singaporeans. Secondly, the development must be sustainable. We must ensure a fine balance between human activities and environmental needs, and at the same time maintain economic viability because we have limited resources. Thirdly, we must take a long term perspective of these projects to ensure that it will remain relevant for future generations. These considerations are constantly reflected in our policies and master planning.

There are great parallels between Abu Dhabi and Singapore’s aspirations and limitations. There is a shared understanding between our leaders on the value of a close partnership and the benefits that it will bring. The Joint Forum will bring us closer together. There is much more for us to learn from each other and to develop mutually beneficial collaborations to harness the knowledge and capabilities we have accumulated from our unique developmental experience.

In recognition of this increasing relevance and exchanges between Singapore and Abu Dhabi, Singapore established an Embassy in Abu Dhabi in October last year. Ladies and Gentlemen, today, I am happy to officially announce the opening our International Enterprise trade office in Abu Dhabi. The diplomatic and trade offices in Abu Dhabi will help to enhance our friendship, foster bilateral cooperation in new areas for mutual benefit and facilitate closer business partnerships between companies.

Last but not the least, it is with great pleasure to be witnessing the signing ceremonies for three important documents later –

a. The MOU between the Marine Port of Authority of Singapore and the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport to formalize a framework for maritime cooperation;

b. The contract between the Singapore Civil Service College and the Abu Dhabi Department of Civil Service to explore the establishment of a Training Institution for the Abu Dhabi Civil Service; and

c. The agreement between GISCO Bin Hamoodah of Abu Dhabi with CBM Private Limited of Singapore to establish a Facilities Management Joint Venture at Abu Dhabi.

These developments attest to the strengthening and broadening bilateral relations between Abu Dhabi and Singapore. As we move forward, I am confident that we will see more of such successful collaborations.

Lastly, my co-chairman and I hope that this joint forum will lead to even more interaction among the members of the forum and result in more cooperation between both parties in the near future.

Thank you.