During his visit to China, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong met with Wang Weizhong, Governor of Guangdong Province, on September 1, 2025, in Guangzhou. Both leaders reaffirmed the long-standing economic and cultural ties between Singapore and Guangdong, and agreed that the Sino-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City will continue to serve as a vital platform for technology development and knowledge sharing.
Guangdong: Singapore’s Key Partner
DPM Gan highlighted that Guangdong is a critical economic partner for Singapore and serves as a gateway to the Greater Bay Area and beyond. Singapore looks forward to deepening collaboration with China, Guangdong, and the Guangzhou Knowledge City.
He specifically noted Singapore’s interest in expanding cooperation in:
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Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
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Digital and Green Economy
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Low-Altitude Air Mobility and Transport Systems
Global Environment Full of Uncertainty
Regarding the current global economic environment, DPM Gan said:
“The current global environment is filled with uncertainty due to emerging tariff frameworks. It is vital for countries to work together to explore new cooperation opportunities and strengthen bilateral relations.”
He emphasized that global supply chains are undergoing restructuring. While countries may face short-term impacts from new tariff regimes, long-term opportunities remain. Collaboration and partnership are key to seizing these opportunities.
Governor Wang Weizhong: Fruits of Singapore-Guangdong Cooperation
Governor Wang highlighted the achievements of Singapore-Guangdong cooperation and introduced Guangdong’s economic and social developments. He also shared his long-term engagement with Singapore, including:
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Visiting Singapore last year with Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang to attend the Joint Committee for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC)
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Multiple engagements with Singapore Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung
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Promoting the Sino-Singapore Smart City (Shenzhen) project while serving as Shenzhen Party Secretary
Governor Wang suggested that future Singapore-Guangdong collaboration should focus on upgrading the Knowledge City, expanding new productivity sectors, and deepening cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and sports.
15 Years of Collaboration, Reaching New Heights
Guangdong has been Singapore’s largest provincial trade partner in China for 36 consecutive years. Cooperation spans advanced manufacturing, digital economy, intellectual property protection, education, and healthcare.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Sino-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City. DPM Gan visited the city, climbed the landmark “Knowledge Tower,” and left a bilingual message in the commemorative book:
“15 Years of Collaboration, Reaching New Heights!”
He also visited:
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NUS Guangzhou Innovation Research Institute
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DBS Technology & Innovation Centre, Guangzhou
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Singapore agri-tech startup Singrow
Extended Visit: Engagement in Shenzhen
This marks DPM Gan’s first visit to Guangdong in two years and his first official visit to China as Deputy Prime Minister. He was accompanied by Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling and Singapore Ambassador to China Chng Hai Chuan.
On the afternoon of September 1, DPM Gan continued to Shenzhen and attended an evening reception, engaging with around 200 Singaporeans living in the city.
Whether in trade, technology, or cultural exchanges, Singapore-Guangdong cooperation is entering a deeper phase. With the upgrade of the Guangzhou Knowledge City and expansion in new productivity sectors, the partnership holds vast potential for the future.
References
Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore
The official statement confirmed that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong will visit China from August 31 to September 4, 2025, covering Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Beijing. During the visit, he will meet with Guangdong Governor Wang Weizhong and visit the Sino-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City and Singaporean enterprises.
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