China, Asian nations must continue promoting economic cooperation -- Singapore PM

SINGAPORE, March 30 (Bernama) -- Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said economic cooperation and good relations between China and countries in the Asian region should continue to be promoted amid an uncertain world.

Speaking at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2023 (BFA 2023) held in Hainan Thursday, Lee said China had become the largest trading partner for almost every Asian country.

“It has also launched regional and global initiatives, such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the Global Development Initiative (GDI),” he said.

Lee said other countries reciprocated China’s desire to deepen economic integration.

“Post-Covid, we encourage the revival of investment, trade, and tourism flows. And we look forward to participating in new growth opportunities in China’s dynamic economy,” he said.

The transcript of his speech was made available on the website of the republic’s Prime Minister’s Office.

Lee said economic cooperation between China and its Asian neighbours would be more robust if it was underpinned by a sound, broader relationship, which builds mutual trust and fosters regional stability.

He said many bilateral and regional issues needed to be resolved, and they should be managed in the spirit of goodwill and cooperation, peacefully and in accordance with international law, giving full weight to the perspectives and interests of all countries, big and small.

“From time to time, national interests will diverge, and bilateral issues will arise. This is unavoidable. And when this happens, it is important that we insulate our economic relations from these difficulties and continue to do business with one another.

 “We must strive to work together pragmatically for the benefit of our peoples, even when we may not see eye to eye on some other issues.”

This, Lee added, would enable all Asian countries to co-exist peacefully with one another and enjoy the space and security to chart their own paths towards development and prosperity.

-- BERNAMA