​REMARKS BY MR S. ISWARAN, MINISTER FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY (INDUSTRY) AT THE FAREWELL RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SINGAPORE FOR US AMBASSADOR KIRK WAGAR AND MRS CRYSTAL WAGAR, AT THE CLIFFORD PIER IN THE FULLERTON BAY HOTEL ON THURSDAY 12 JANUARY 2017, 7.20PM

 

Your Excellency Kirk Wagar, US Ambassador to Singapore,

Mrs Crystal Wagar,

Mr Dwight Hutchins, Chairman AmCham

Distinguished guests,

 

Introduction

Good evening.

 

2.            I am delighted to join you this evening at this reception to thank Ambassador Kirk Wagar and his lovely wife, Crystal, for their sterling contributions to US-Singapore bilateral ties.

3.            Over the past four years, Ambassador Wagar has worked assiduously to deepen and broaden the US’ robust relationship with Singapore and the region.  In particular, we signed the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement, a framework for greater defence cooperation in policy and technology.  We also marked the 50th anniversary of our bilateral relations with an Official Visit to the US by Prime Minister Lee, the first by a Singapore leader in over 30 years.

4.            We are grateful for Ambassador Wagar’s firm support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), negotiations on which were concluded in his tenure.  Although not part of the negotiating team, Ambassador Wagar was actively involved behind the scenes, as he and his team charted our progress every step of the way, and doggedly argued for the highest possible standards that would benefit both our businesses and our people. He facilitated two Congressional Delegation visits to Singapore to allow key US Representatives to appreciate first-hand the importance of the TPP to American businesses in Singapore and the region.  His unwavering commitment to the TPP process stemmed from a deep appreciation of the clear benefits that trade with the Asia Pacific region brings to the US.  The Asia Pacific is one of the fastest growing regions in the world, and in 2015, US exports to the region supported 3.4 million jobs in the US.  This trend is expected to grow and it is crucial, and to mutual benefit, that the US remains engaged in this region.

 

Promoting stronger business linkages as part of the US-Singapore relations

5.            Ambassador Wagar also consistently looked out for ways to further partnerships between American and Singapore businesses.  For example, having noted the increasing interest of Singapore businesses to invest in the US, he personally led a delegation of Singapore businesses to the inaugural SelectUSA Investment Summit in 2013.  This created a valuable opportunity for our businesses to make new connections with American businesses and relevant officials at the State-level.

6.            Ambassador Wagar also lobbied actively to site one of the three US-ASEAN Connect offices in Singapore. The US-ASEAN Connect initiative, launched by President Obama, seeks to strengthen the US’ engagement with ASEAN and the private sector. Under the guidance of Ambassador Wagar, the US-ASEAN Connect office participated as a strategic partner in programmes such the Singapore Air Show and our first-ever FinTech Festival.

 

Conclusion

7.            Those of us who know Kirk well also know that he is not all business and that he brings his own inimitable style (you could say a Miami Bling) to every initiative.  For example, he arranged for a local rapper, Shigga Shay, to perform in the US in conjunction with PM Lee’s State Visit.

8.            Ambassador Wagar, you and Crystal have represented the United States with pride and passion.  Your belief in the resilience of the United States, its people and economy, has resulted in an exceptional term of service that leaves behind a stronger US-Singapore relationship. You have been a strong advocate for Singapore and I hope you will continue to do so, and be engaged with us, even after your official duties are over.

9.            On behalf of the Singapore Government, our people and our busines community, I would like to express our deep appreciation to both of you for your hard work and contributions over these past four years.  We wish you and your family all the best and look forward to staying in regular contact.

10.         Thank you.