Trade, travel links between Singapore and Cape Verde set to grow
Trade and travel links between Singapore and the island country of Cape Verde are set to grow.
Two agreements will be signed during the visit of Cape Verde's Prime Minister José Maria Neves.
A Memorandum of Understanding to promote investments was signed on Friday, while an air services agreement will be signed on Monday.
Mr Neves, who is here on his first official visit, met President Tony Tan Keng Yam at the Istana, where he was given a ceremonial welcome.
He also called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and was hosted to lunch.
Mr Lee said the agreements will strengthen Singapore's partnership with Cape Verde, which lies off the west coast of Africa.
"We should not leave it there. Africa is on the move. It is the second fastest growing region in the world after Asia. There are more opportunities for Singapore companies to pursue in Africa, and vice versa," said Mr Lee.
Mr Lee also urged businesses to explore these opportunities using platforms such as the Africa Singapore Business Forum. Some 500 delegates and ministers attended this year's forum, including several from Cape Verde.
During the forum, the International Finance Cooperation (IFC) and International Enterprise Singapore signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote business collaboration between Singapore and Africa.
Mr Lee said that Singapore companies can leverage the IFC's wide networks and experience in Africa and Asia to grow economic links and strengthen their positions as trading hubs. He also offered Singapore's assistance.
"We are also happy to help Cape Verde develop their human capital through the Singapore Cooperation Programme. So far, we have trained more than 6,000 officials from countries in Sub-Saharan Africa in areas like public administration, information and communications technology, port management, health and aviation. We would be happy to do the same for Cape Verde officials," said Mr Lee.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
Trade and travel links between Singapore and the island country of Cape Verde are set to grow.
Two agreements will be signed during the visit of Cape Verde's Prime Minister José Maria Neves.
A Memorandum of Understanding to promote investments was signed on Friday, while an air services agreement will be signed on Monday.
Mr Neves, who is here on his first official visit, met President Tony Tan Keng Yam at the Istana, where he was given a ceremonial welcome.
He also called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and was hosted to lunch.
Mr Lee said the agreements will strengthen Singapore's partnership with Cape Verde, which lies off the west coast of Africa.
"We should not leave it there. Africa is on the move. It is the second fastest growing region in the world after Asia. There are more opportunities for Singapore companies to pursue in Africa, and vice versa," said Mr Lee.
Mr Lee also urged businesses to explore these opportunities using platforms such as the Africa Singapore Business Forum. Some 500 delegates and ministers attended this year's forum, including several from Cape Verde.
During the forum, the International Finance Cooperation (IFC) and International Enterprise Singapore signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote business collaboration between Singapore and Africa.
Mr Lee said that Singapore companies can leverage the IFC's wide networks and experience in Africa and Asia to grow economic links and strengthen their positions as trading hubs. He also offered Singapore's assistance.
"We are also happy to help Cape Verde develop their human capital through the Singapore Cooperation Programme. So far, we have trained more than 6,000 officials from countries in Sub-Saharan Africa in areas like public administration, information and communications technology, port management, health and aviation. We would be happy to do the same for Cape Verde officials," said Mr Lee.
~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~
