Singapore, Jan 12 (PTI): India is growing and Singapore has many opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation with South Asia’s fastest growing economy, said Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Ta.
“India is growing and moving forward,” Lee, who served as prime minister for 20 years, told India’s business community on Saturday.
“Singapore has a good brand name in India and has had very good relations with successive Indian governments,” The Straits Times quoted Lee as saying.
Singapore sees many opportunities to expand cooperation in areas such as bilateral trade, skills training and fintech, as well as exploring areas such as healthcare and the digital and green economy, he added. Ta.
He also urged the Indian business community to take full advantage of these benefits.
Mr Lee highlighted the importance of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), the nearly 20-year-old Singapore-India free trade agreement that has helped foster extensive trade, investment and travel links between Singapore and India. Emphasized gender.
“Many Indian companies have established themselves in Singapore to serve the region, and many local Indian companies have successfully expanded into the Indian market,” he said.
He also pointed out that Singapore relies heavily on immigrants and foreign workers to increase its population base and talent pool.
Therefore, the influx and integration of new arrivals must be managed with “the utmost care and prudence to ensure that the influx is balanced and sustainable,” Lee said. 72) pointed out.
Local residents take issue with the increasing number of immigrants, foreign workers, investors and professionals (including Indians), and in some cases cite their social ethics as a reason. However, diplomatic officials pointed out that these “new arrivals” were assessed as important in driving the prosperous city-state’s economic activity.
“However, we also stand firmly against xenophobia and xenophobia and support new arrivals,” Mr Lee said in a speech at a dinner hosted by Singapore Indigenous Development Association (Sinda) and 14 other Indian community organizations We must welcome people as part of our extended family.” .
He said Singaporeans should help these new arrivals gradually adapt to the city-state’s ways and the country’s social norms and ethos.
He added that this is an ongoing process and will take time, but will gradually integrate into the local community.
“This is how previous generations became Indian-Singaporeans, and the same will happen with this generation and with newcomers from other groups and places,” the newspaper said. reported the statement.
He stressed that this is how Singaporeans maintain and enrich their identity and build a cohesive and inclusive society that is “connected to the world, strengthened and not divided by diversity.” did.
Lee addressed about 2,000 guests at the dinner, including ministers, members of Congress, Indian leaders and volunteers.
He also praised the progress of the Indian community with the nation and noted their significant contributions in many fields.
He added that although the community may be small, it plays a well-rounded role in Singapore society and has collaborated with other communities and contributed in various ways.
Mr Lee said this demonstrates the success of Singapore’s multi-ethnic model, which has created full and equal opportunities, a harmonious society and a better life for everyone, including ethnic minority communities.
He acknowledged the immigrants from many parts of the Indian subcontinent who came to modern-day Singapore in the early days in search of a better future and who formed part of Singapore’s history.
“These various groups have set down roots here and forged bonds with each other, and out of this kaleidoscopic backdrop, a unique and proud Singaporean Indian community has gradually emerged,” he said. .
Mr Lee pointed out that Singapore’s Indian community is thriving, benefiting from the efforts of self-help community organizations.
Mr Lee said community organizations are able to do good work thanks to the strong support of many selfless volunteers, noting that their members include some who have recently immigrated to Singapore.
In any case, their willingness to volunteer should be commended, Lee said, noting that this new crop came from a wider range of backgrounds and locations than previous generations of Indian immigrants.
They add vibrancy and dynamism to Singapore’s Indian culture and contribute to the community and the country, he added.
Mr Lee noted that Singapore has had healthy and extensive relationships with India and other countries in the subcontinent, and said the strength of the Indian community here has given it confidence to present itself to the world. said.
People of Indian descent make up about 9% of Singapore’s population of 6 million people. PTI GS SZM
(This story is published as part of an auto-generated, syndicated wire feed. The headline or text has not been edited by ABP Live.)
