Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

India-Singapore Economic Zone reviewed

Mr. Peter Ong Boon Kwee, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore called on Shri T.K.A. Nair, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, yesterday. In the context of the overall economic partnership being established between India and Singapore, detailed discussions were held on the concept and modalities for implementing the Singapore-India Economic Zone (SIEZ) project.

Senior Minister of Singapore, H.E. Goh Chok Tong, had in June this year, proposed to Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh the development of a Singapore-India Economic Zone as an integrated eco-system of industry, commerce and residential activities based on world class planning, infrastructure and facilities. The project is to be developed by Singapore companies from the Private Sector in joint partnership with Indian companies, with the facilitation and guidance of the two Governments. Prime Minister had responded by welcoming the proposal and suggested the establishment of a Steering Committee to facilitate the speedy implementation of the project. The Steering Committee will be chaired from the Indian side by the Principal Secretary to Prime Minister.

During the discussions between Shri Nair and Mr. Boon Kwee, it was agreed that the Steering Committee mechanism proposed earlier by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh would be operationalized at the earliest.

Principal Secretary was also briefed about the ongoing discussions on the India-Singapore Comprehensive Economic and Cooperation Agreement that are currently underway in New Delhi. Both sides expressed satisfaction at the progress achieved in these discussions.