• TIN TỨC
• VIDEO

 

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong

 Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has made a strong push for greater economic engagement between the United States and Asia.

 

Speaking in Houston, Texas, at a dialogue attended by prominent American businessmen and city officials, Mr Lee said a positive "trade agenda is critical" to US-Asia engagement.

 

Mr Lee made a strong pitch for Singapore, highlighting among other things, the country's low tax structure and how American businesses can also use the country as a launch pad to the Middle East.

 

He added that with the Panama Canal widening project completing in five years, it will make it easier for companies in Houston trading with Singapore.

 

That's because many more ships can sail directly to Singapore instead of having to transport goods by rail and road through the US.

 

But on a larger scale, Mr Lee urged the audience of over 300 to maintain good relations with Asia, especially China. He acknowledged there would be tension in US-China relations from time to time.

 

Mr Lee said: "It's not possible for your relationship with China to be uncomplicated. There will be tensions, there will be differences from time to time, frictions. But it's vital to avoid a clash and both sides have a lot to gain by working together and should manage issues with a view to the longer term."

 

And to be active in Asia, Mr Lee said there needs to be two-way trade, not just one country "pushing for exports".

 

Prime Minister Lee pointed to the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement as a catalyst that would link Asia Pacific economies. The agreement started with Brunei, Chile, New Zealand and Singapore. Now, the US, Peru, Australia and Vietnam have also expressed interest to join the agreement.

 

He said: "Trade is important not just in itself but to enhance your relevance and influence and complement and give substance to your political and security relationships with the region."

 

Mr Lee's trip to Houston is part of Singapore's continuing efforts to expand the country's external trade linkages.

 

Trade between Singapore and Houston has been healthy. Despite the global recession, it grew 24 per cent last year.

 

More than 520 Houston companies report doing business with Singapore, and Singaporean firms operate seven subsidiaries in the metropolitan area.

 

Jeff Moseley, CEO of Greater Houston Partnership, said: "So, it really isn't by accident that Houston ranks as Singapore's third largest US gateway for international trade, and Singapore is our region's 13th largest international trade partner. That's why, Prime Minister, we're so pleased to welcome you today to Houston.

 

"Our city's economy is consistently ranked as one of the strongest in the nation and we're very pleased to see this current and future state of international business developing and growing and we know that Singapore is central to that economic growth story."

 

Houston is the fourth-largest city by population in the United States and the largest city in the state of Texas.

 

Texas is the second largest economy in the United States after California and the largest exporter of goods among US states. For Singapore, this is an important catchment for its key industries spanning areas like engineering, oil and gas, energy and services.

 

CNA/ir