SENIOR MINISTER GOH CHOK TONG’S VISIT TO BEIJING AND TIANJIN, PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

Senior Minister (SM) Goh Chok Tong will make a working visit to Beijing and Tianjin in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) from 24 to 28 September 2008. 

In Beijing, SM will meet PRC State Councillor Liu Yandong and Central Organisation Department Minister Li Yuanchao.  SM will then visit Tianjin to attend the meeting of the Young Global Leaders' Foundation Board.  The World Economic Forum will also be meeting in Tianjin at the same time.  

While in Tianjin, SM will call on PRC Premier Wen Jiabao and jointly officiate with Premier Wen at the ground-breaking ceremony of the China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city.  First mooted by SM to Premier Wen in April 2007, the Eco-city is the next flagship bilateral project between Singapore and the PRC after the Suzhou Industrial Park.  The ground-breaking ceremony is taking place barely 10 months after the signing of the Framework Agreement on the development of the Eco-city by PM Lee Hsien Loong and Premier Wen in November 2007.  This reflects the rapid progress that the project has achieved and is a testimony to the strong friendship between the two countries.  SM will also meet Tianjin Party Secretary Zhang Gaoli.

SM will be accompanied by Mrs Goh during the visit. Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan, Acting Minister for Manpower Gan Kim Yong, Senior Minister of State for National Development and Education Grace Fu and Minister of State for Trade and Industry Lee Yi Shyan will also join SM in Tianjin for the Eco-city ground-breaking ceremony.  

PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
SINGAPORE
24 SEPTEMBER 2008