Post by twodogs on May 15, 2006 9:39:23 GMT 7
Singapore is willing to help China connect to the West and with Southeast Asia, Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew has said.
Speaking to leaders of the Northeastern Liaoning Province during an official visit, Mr Lee said the country would keep its doors open for China.
A royal welcome awaited Singapore's Minister Mentor and his delegation at the 17th century Manchurian palace in Shenyang.
Mr Lee recounted his 1978 meeting with then Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping.
He said he knew right then that China had the potential to be one of the world's leading civilizations; today, it has risen to be one of the world's economic powerhouses.
Shenyang Party Secretary Chen Zhenggao, who was meeting Mr Lee for the first time, said he had read the Singapore leader's memoirs five times and was struck by how Singapore was built.
Mr Lee noted that in the past Singapore had to pick up English to connect with the world; now, it has to learn to engage China, India, and the Gulf States.
On Mr Chen's proposal of launching direct air links between Singapore and Shenyang, the Minister Mentor said it was a commercial decision left to Singapore Airlines.
Mr Chen also wanted help with building an industrial park in Shenyang like the successful one built in Suzhou.
Mr Lee wanted Singapore's private sector to take the lead, with the government providing help.
Mr Lee said he saw a win-win partnership between Singapore and China.
He said Singapore's doors were always open, and it was willing to share its experiences, as China's success was also good for Singapore.
Before proceeding to Shanghai on the final leg of his China visit, Mr Lee rounded off his engagements in Shenyang with a visit to the International Horticultural Expo.
Singapore's familiar icon, the Merlion, and orchids greeted Mr Lee at the country's pavilion, where he also planted a tree.