On 22 October 2025, the symposium on “Unleashing the Potential of 35 Years of China-Singapore Relations: Green Economy as a Forward-Looking Direction for Cooperation” was convened at SASS. This event was hosted by SASS, supported by Consulate General of the Republic of Singapore in Shanghai, co-organized by the Shanghai Federation of Industry and Commerce and the Institute of Ecology and Sustainable Development at SASS.
In his address, Professor Gan Chunhui, Executive Vice President of SASS, highlighted that over the past 35 years since establishing diplomatic relations, China and Singapore have consistently upheld the principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. The two countries have achieved fruitful collaboration across economic, trade, scientific, technological and cultural domains, setting a significant example for international exchange. Amid growing global climate challenges, the green transition has become an irreversible trend, with a green economy representing both an essential response to climate change and a key pathway for high-quality economic development. Deepening green economic cooperation is therefore of great importance for both nations. Innovation drives the transition from green economic concepts to practical implementation, benefiting not only bilateral relations but also Southeast Asia and beyond by offering replicable solutions for sustainable development. SASS, recognized as one of China’s leading think tanks, has long focused on major socio-economic issues and possesses strong expertise in the green economy. SASS looks forward to strengthening cooperation with Singaporean government agencies, think tanks, and enterprises to advance sustainable development.
Mr Loh Tuck Keat, Consul-General of the Republic of Singapore in Shanghai, noted that China-Singapore relations have deep historical roots and continue to grow stronger. In 2023, bilateral ties were elevated to an all-round high-quality future-oriented partnership. Under this framework, both sides have pursued extensive cooperation, particularly in the green economy, digital economy, new energy, connectivity, and finance. Looking ahead to the next 35 years, China and Singapore shall continue to uphold mutual understanding, trust, and win-win outcomes. The green transition is central to both nations’ economic transformation and strategic planning, with green finance and low-carbon technologies as key areas of cooperation Both sides aim to intensify collaboration, learn from each other's experiences, and jointly build more sustainable, resilient, and livable urban environments.
Experts at the symposium reached broad consensus on China-Singapore green economic cooperation. First, green finance serves as a core driver and key arena for collaboration. Advancing the green transition requires capital-led initiatives, timely adoption of international standards, and cross-border financing channels to reduce green innovation costs for SMEs. Second, complementary industrial and technological strengths provide the main impetus for cooperation. Singapore, as an international financial hub, excels in financial services and professional services, while China is the world’s largest green technology base with a vast market and complete supply chain. The two countries have significant potential for collaboration, including building resilient green supply chains. Third, China-Singapore cooperation can generate extensive regional spillover effects. Through international mutual recognition of green standards, joint development of cutting-edge technologies, and talent and cultural exchanges, bilateral collaboration can support the green transition and sustainable development across ASEAN and Belt and Road countries.
