DPM Wong meets Chinese premier Wen in Beijing
By Channel NewsAsia's China Correspondent Wong Yee Fong | Posted: 05 September 2008 1825 hrs

	Photos  of
	Related News • Suzhou Industrial Park to celebrate 15th anniversary next year • Singapore, China announce successful conclusion of FTA talks • Singapore, China map out key priorities of eco-city project • DPM Wong meets Tianjin party secretary during China trip • DPM Wong to visit Tianjin and Beijing

BEIJING : Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng met Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing on Friday.

The Chinese leader welcomed Mr Wong and congratulated his entourage for concluding the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China, following eight rounds of negotiations.

Premier Wen added that the conclusion of the agreement has laid a good foundation for Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's visit to China in October, when he will sign the FTA.

During the meeting, Mr Wong said that as Singapore and China move forward, a review mechanism needs to be included as part of the FTA. This is so that both partners can keep in tandem with the fast-changing economic environment.

Singapore is the first Asian country to seal a comprehensive FTA with China.

Premier Wen also said that he looks forward to officiating the ground-breaking ceremony for the Sino-Singapore Eco-City Project in Tianjin with Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong later this month. - CNA/ms