EXHIBITION and trade-show ties between China and Singapore are set to increase thanks to an agreement to strengthen cooperation on business event topics such as sustainable development, advances in digital technology, healthcare and clean energy.
Organisers in China will be encouraged to hold relevant international exhibitions and trade shows in Singapore under a three-year agreement with partnerships across Asia Pacific and a larger presence in the region among the benefits.
The Memorandum of Understanding between Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) was the first MoU signed between the two organisations that is specific to cooperation in the exhibition industry.
The three-year agreement signed on January 22 focuses on three key areas:
- Exhibition Facilitation Support: CCPIT will encourage relevant Chinese exhibition enterprises and institutions to organise international economic and trade exhibitions in Singapore. STB will provide assistance including facilitating government liaison and industry connections.
- Joint Promotion Efforts: Both parties have agreed to strengthen publicity efforts and promote international exhibitions in key economic sectors such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy, technology and innovation, and healthcare. This is aimed at supporting Singapore and Chinese enterprises expand international cooperation and enhance their global presence.
- Deepening MICE Exchange and Cooperation: Knowledge exchange will be promoted along with in-depth cooperation in areas such as sustainable development, digital transformation, and talent cultivation within the exhibition industry.
“The signing of the Memorandum between the CCPIT and the STB is an important measure to deepen China-Singapore cooperation in the exhibition industry. It holds great significance for strengthening industrial chain ties between China, Singapore and Southeast Asia and boosting regional economic prosperity,” said Wu Shengrong, Director General of the Exhibition Management Department (Office of International Exhibitions Bureau and World Expo Affairs) of the CCPIT.
“It is anticipated that through the practical cooperation between our two institutions, positive contributions will be made to deepening exhibition cooperation in key industries and promoting the development of China-Singapore economic and trade relations,” Wu added.
Poh Chi Chuan, STB’s Executive Director, Exhibitions and Conferences, said: “This partnership with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade represents an important initiative for the Singapore Tourism Board in deepening international business events cooperation.”
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“We look forward to welcoming more Chinese organisations participating in exhibitions held in Singapore. As a hub for innovation, technology and research, Singapore serves as a trusted and efficient gateway to the fast-growing Asia Pacific region, connecting partners to strategic business networks and collaboration opportunities while enabling meaningful engagement that drives lasting impact.”
An STB spokesperson said the collaboration is expected “to generate substantial benefits for the regional MICE ecosystem” thanks to Singapore’s strategic location and infrastructure combined with China’s market presence. Platforms for Chinese enterprises to showcase innovations and form partnerships throughout Asia Pacific would also increase.
