Chongqing, October 11 – Since the launch of the China-Singapore Connectivity Project, it has facilitated the signing of 347 government and commercial cooperation projects totaling $26 billion, with cumulative cross-border financing reaching $21.7 billion. Both sides have explored and developed 33 pioneering institutional open innovation achievements with distinctive features.
The China-Singapore (Chongqing) Strategic Connectivity Demonstration Project (referred to as the China-Singapore Connectivity Project) is the third intergovernmental cooperation project between China and Singapore, following the China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park and the China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city. Officially launched in November 2015, this project serves as an important landmark for Chongqing’s opening-up.
During the “14th Five-Year Plan” period, which marks the second five-year phase of the China-Singapore Connectivity Project’s implementation, both parties have used Belt and Road cooperation as guidance to plan and establish the International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. This corridor network now covers 577 ports across 127 countries and regions worldwide. By leveraging the synergistic effects of the Chongqing-Singapore “dual hub” model, connectivity between the two regions and surrounding areas has been comprehensively enhanced through the China-Singapore (Chongqing) International Internet Data Special Channel, cross-border investment and financing channels, international trade channels, talent exchange cooperation channels, and the Chongqing-Singapore “air corridor.” In recent years, Singapore has consistently maintained its position as Chongqing’s largest source of foreign investment, while ASEAN has become Chongqing’s largest international trade partner. The Land-Sea New Corridor has driven total imports and exports between China’s western regions and ASEAN to exceed 1 trillion yuan, representing a growth of 56.1%.
Over the past five years, both sides have supported and promoted Ant Group and Yumaitong’s innovative collaboration with Singaporean enterprises to establish a cross-border e-commerce digital financial services platform, providing convenient cross-border settlement services for import and export enterprises trading with African regions. The Singapore Airlines (Chongqing) Bonded Aircraft Materials Distribution Center created China’s first “airline-as-unit” customs supervision model for bonded aircraft materials, helping enterprises significantly simplify customs clearance procedures and reduce operational costs by over 20%. Chongqing Airport Group and Singapore Changi Airport have jointly operated Chongqing Airport’s non-aviation businesses, actively introducing commercial flagship stores and international brands, substantially enhancing internationalization levels. This cooperation model has been successfully replicated and promoted to airports in Wuxi, Haikou, and other locations.
In March of this year, two Chongqing food production enterprises officially received approval to export five types of animal-derived food products to Singapore, including pork, poultry, beef, mutton, and eggs, achieving a breakthrough of zero meat product exports from central and western China to Singapore. Moving forward, if production enterprises within Chongqing meet the requirements, they won’t need to repeatedly apply to Singapore; instead, the General Administration of Customs can recommend registration to Singapore to enable exports. This development means more Chongqing agricultural specialty products are expected to reach international markets through Singapore.
Over the past five years, Chongqing has also introduced high-quality technology and medical resources including the National University of Singapore Chongqing Research Institute, Raffles Hospital, and China-Singapore Oncology Hospital. The Chongqing-Singapore flight frequency has reached 24 weekly flights, making it Chongqing’s densest international route. In 2024, the number of Singaporean tourists staying overnight in Chongqing reached 86,000, which is 7.43 times the number in 2015.
