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LIAONING, CHINA: Singapore companies are broadening their strategy in China by going beyond major cities.
For instance, the companies see tremendous potential in the port city of Yingkou, investing some US$4 million there so far.
Yingkou port is the second biggest in northeastern Liaoning province, after Dalian port.
And in what would be its first solo major investment in China, Singapore's Jurong Port wants to own and operate jointly two berths there, with the option of doubling that in future.
It is in discussions with the Yingkou Port authorities on a joint venture.
Another frontrunner is Singapore's Hyflux.
The water specialist hopes to seal a deal this year to work on environment projects including waste water treatment.
The two companies are part of a business mission to Liaoning led by Singapore's Education Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
He called them early starters that could pave the way for other Singapore firms.
He said: "We're now extending our engagement in Liaoning beyond the leading cities of Shenyang and Dalian. In particular, we are paying very close attention to Party Secretary Li Keqiang's 'five-points-one line' strategy to develop the coastline of Liaoning. Within this coastline, Yingkou and Changxing Dao are two key cities."
Mr Tharman will be visiting Changxing where a Singapore consortium, led by Jurong International, has won a master planning contract to develop a third of the island.
The services of Singapore's education providers are also sought after.
With China looking to revitalise its northeastern industrial base, Liaoning officials want Singapore schools to help build up the province's technical workforce.
Mr Tharman said that he would encourage institutions like the Institute of Technical Education to explore opportunities there.
The Minister co-chairs the Singapore-Liaoning Business Council and was the guest of honour at an education symposium held by IE Singapore.
Sixteen of Singapore's education players are taking part in the event.
One of them is TMC Education Group.
Dr Chin Kon Yuen, chairman of TMC Education Group, said: "China's education market is very vibrant but they really want the top quality. Our Singapore education is always of a very high quality. I think we have a lot of roles to play in the Chinese education market."
Apart from exploring business opportunities with Chinese partners and attracting more Chinese students to Singapore, Singapore education providers are also looking to work with the Singapore partners, build on their complementary strengths, and hunt as a pack for better results.
Singapore has already signed two agreements with Liaoning to expand collaboration in education. - CNA/ir
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