Speech by SMS(DDI)(H) Tan Kiat How at the Opening Ceremony of the 2025 Experience Singapore Week in Chongqing

尊敬的重庆市政府副市长徐建、
新加坡驻中国大使陈海泉、
各位来宾、女士们、先生们：

1. 大家好！非常高兴能够再次回到重庆，和山城的好朋友、老朋友，齐聚一堂，一同见证“2025新加坡体验周”的开幕仪式。今年也正值我们中新（重庆）战略性互联互通示范项目的十周年。十年合作历程见证了两市关系的蓬勃发展，从经贸合作延伸到人文交流，从项目对接深化到民心相通。新渝直航班次增长至每周24班、旅游互访热度与日俱增。重庆的朋友们对滨海湾花园、圣淘沙等"打卡地"已经耳熟能详，也通过小红书认识了肉骨茶、叻沙等新加坡美食。越来越多的新加坡家庭来到重庆时，也爱上了山城的风景与人情味，"麻辣"更是走进了新加坡几乎每一家熟食中心。我们在重庆启动2025新加坡体验周，这是继新加坡重庆周之后的又一重要文化交流盛事。不仅展现新加坡的多元文化和独特魅力，更体现了两地人民增进了解、加深友谊的美好愿望，为未来更广阔的合作前景奠定坚实基础。在此，我想再次感谢徐建副市长在百忙之中抽空出席，也欢迎大家参加今天的开幕式。接下来我将以英语继续发言。

2. Singapore’s relationship with Chongqing has strengthened substantially since the launch of our third government-to-government project, the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity, or CCI, in 2015. Over the last ten years, our total investments have more than doubled, growing from 5.7 billion USD in 2015 to 12.7 billion USD in 2024.

3. Underpinned by the theme of modern connectivity and modern services, our bilateral economic relationship has grown into a dynamic and fruitful partnership, spanning financial services, aviation, transport and logistics, information and communications technology, and more.

4. The strong bonds between our cities have also created a welcoming environment where Singapore businesses are eager to establish and increase their presence in Chongqing. Projects like Raffles Hospital Chongqing and the iconic Raffles City Chongqing stand as testament to the confidence our businesses have in Chongqing’s future as a key business hub in Western China.

5. Beyond projects and infrastructure, I am heartened by the deepening of people-to-people ties and cultural exchanges. From January to September this year, around 46,000 tourists from Chongqing visited Singapore, demonstrating the strong travel demand between our peoples. This mutual enthusiasm has been supported by the 24 weekly flight services operated by Singapore Airlines and Chinese carriers, and I look forward to further air connectivity between our cities to bring our people even closer together.

6. To commemorate 10 years of cooperation under the CCI, we had the honour of hosting the “Chongqing Week in Singapore” in the heart of Orchard Road in June. Its wide-ranging showcase of Chongqing’s offerings was warmly received by Singaporeans. Beyond the mouthwatering Chongqing delicacies which were undoubtedly crowd favourites, equally captivating were the intangible cultural heritage displays. From the intricate artistry of Jiulongpo Paper-cutting Art（九龙坡剪纸）, to the timeless craftsmanship of Rongchang pottery （荣昌陶器）and enchanting Miao folk song performances. Building on that success, we are proud to bring you the 2025 Experience Singapore Week, co-organised by the Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry and Chongqing Municipal Government, and held here at the bustling Guanyinqiao in Jiangbei District.

7. BZ1’s heartfelt performance of our Singapore favourites has just warmed our hearts and brought the Singapore spirit right here to Chongqing. Over the coming days, we have curated a programme of engaging experiences that offer something for everyone. Those planning to visit Singapore can explore our Attractions Zone for an early preview of Sentosa, Changi Airport, Gardens by the Bay, and Mandai Wildlife Reserve.

8. Shopping enthusiasts can discover what our Brands Zone has in store, while food lovers can look forward to an authentic hawker centre experience featuring Singapore's beloved dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, nasi lemak, and Katong laksa. With interactive games, performances, and mission cards leading to our lucky draw finale, the ESW promises to bring Singapore's vibrant culture and warm hospitality to life in Chongqing.

9. Finally, I would also like to express our deep appreciation to the Chongqing Municipal Government （重庆市人民政府）, Jiangbei District Government （江北区政府）, Chongqing Connectivity Initiative Administrative Bureau（重庆市中新项目管理局）and Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development（重庆市文旅委）for your unwavering support in organising the ESW. Both the Chongqing Week and Experience Singapore Week allow our peoples to experience the richness of each other's cultures firsthand, fostering understanding that goes far beyond formal agreements. I believe such meaningful exchanges will remain the cornerstone of our enduring partnership and inspire even deeper cooperation between our cities.

10. 在此，我祝愿渝新同心，共谱华章，也愿2025新加坡体验周圆满成功！

11. Thank you very much. 谢谢大家！