Premier Cho receives former Singapore parliament speaker Abdullah Tarmugi

Premier Cho Jung-tai on Wednesday received a congratulatory delegation from Singapore, led by Abdullah Tarmugi, former speaker of the Parliament of Singapore. The premier expressed gratitude to former Speaker Abdullah for heading this delegation to attend the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim. He also offered his congratulations to newly appointed Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong who took office on May 15.

Taiwan and Singapore have enjoyed decades of longstanding cooperation and exchanges across a wide range of fields, the premier said. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Agreement between Singapore and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu on Economic Partnership (ASTEP), and economic investment from both sides continues to grow. Singapore is Taiwan's top destination for investment in Southeast Asia, and last year Singapore also became Taiwan's largest source of foreign direct investment. Over 5,000 high school students have participated in the official R.O.C.-Singapore Student Exchange Program, launched in 1983. In addition, Taiwan and Singapore have engaged in fruitful cooperation on medicine and public health in recent years.

Premier Cho said Taiwan can learn from Singapore in respect of government efficiency, economic development and trade and investment. He expressed hope that both sides will continue to pursue good democratic governance and deepen bilateral exchanges and cooperation on the basis of this profound friendship.

In his remarks, former Speaker Abdullah said the relationship between Singapore and Taiwan is longstanding, deep and wide-ranging. He added that the people-to-people relationship is also very strong, with 460,000 tourists visiting Taiwan from Singapore last year, representing a recovery to 80% of pre-COVID-19 levels.

Former Speaker Abdullah also noted that this year is the 10th anniversary of ASTEP, which he emphasized is the foundation of Singapore and Taiwan's economic and investment relationship. Lastly, he expressed confidence that Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's new administration will continue on the same trajectory of closer cooperation and interaction in the years ahead.