CII’s 125th year is one of the most challenging one for India, the world, our industry and our people. However, this year marks our milestones and our story of grit, perseverance, partnerships and friendships around the world. In this unusual year of pandemic, economic downturn, border closures and unprecedented ramifications on globalization CII conducted its annual CII Core Group visit to Singapore virtually in September 2020.
And what a wonderful visit it was! The core group met with Mr Goh Chok Tong, Emeritus Senior Minister; Mr Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister & Minster for Finance; Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Senior Minister; Mr Lawrence Wong, Minister for Education; Mr S Iswaran, Minister for Information & Communications and Trade relations; Mr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs; Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Transport; Mr P Kumaran, Indian High Commissioner to Singapore as well as engaged with leadership of Enterprise Singapore & Economic Development board, Singapore.
The sheer warmth of our relationship, the valuable guidance, advice and direction that we always take back with us is much cherished.
CII’s journey in Singapore began with ESM Goh Chok Tong’s “India Fever” in 1993. And we have not turned back since, it’s been the most integral global partnership CII is vested in for its potential, it’s significance and for our deep valued connections and friendships
Our discussions this year largely focused on deepening India Singapore economic partnership amidst the pandemic and areas of convergence and collaborations as we emerge from 2020. In this regard, we identified Digitization, Start Ups and Tech collaborations, Logistics & Supply chains, Skills & Education, Smart Manufacturing, Fintech & University-Industry connect for R&D as the key focus areas for collaboration in the next one year.
Singapore’s significance and potential contribution in India’s technological and digital transformation is an established fact. Given the vast opportunities in India, the market size and demography, Singapore is the ideal and natural partner for India with its advanced technological excellence and expertise. The marriage between the two would only result in a win-win situation for our industry, our nations and our people.
India also provides tremendous opportunities to Singapore to make it their manufacturing base from which they can export to the region. India can also contribute towards Singapore’s food security by increasing the share of its exports to the city state. We can jointly venture into the region to work towards building an economic corridor, secure and robust supply chain networks as well as deepen regional cooperation in our efforts to enhance multilateralism.
India’s rise as a confident economic and strategic powerhouse will be supplemented by Singapore’s support and partnership.
As the world emerges from the pandemic with the new normal, as we see major tectonic shifts in the geo-political landscape of the world and as we also prepare for the future risks and challenges it would be good to have our friends by our side to forge ahead towards economic recovery and resiliency.
CII remains committed to this very critical and cherished relationship and we look forward to working closely with our partners, friends and guides in Singapore to boost our collaboration and roll out joint programs that would lead to mutual growth and development.