MFA Press Statement: The Sixth Session of the High-Level Russia-Singapore Inter-Governmental Commission, 17 November 2015

DPM Tharman and First DPM Shuvalov signing the Joint Statement of the Sixth Session of the IGC at the Government Reception House of the Russian Federation, 17 November 2015

DPM Tharman and First DPM Shuvalov at the conclusion of the Sixth Session of the IGC at the Government Reception House of the Russian Federation, 17 November 2015

              Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies Tharman Shanmugaratnam chaired the Sixth Session of the High-Level Russia-Singapore Inter-Governmental Commission (IGC) together with First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Igor Shuvalov in Moscow on 17 November 2015. 

               DPM Tharman and First DPM Shuvalov reaffirmed the growing bilateral relationship between the two countries. Building on this, there were several new initiatives discussed at the IGC meeting. First, it was agreed that officials will commence the process to negotiate a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Singapore and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which comprises Russia and four other countries in the region.[1]  This FTA will lay the groundwork for our companies to expand their operations into each other’s regions in the future.  For Singapore, the EAEU offers a combined market of 180 million people and a total GDP of US$4.2 trillion. 

               Second, commercial collaboration between Singapore and Russia is growing in several sectors:

(i)           Changi Airports International is finalising the terms of agreement for it to develop and manage Vladivostok International Airport, which is an important part of Russia’s plans to redevelop the Russian Far East.

(ii)        There is strong interest among Singapore’s offshore and marine companies in opportunities in Russia, and food production companies in both countries to increase exports to each other’s markets.

(iii)      ST Electronics is developing transport solutions for certain Russian cities involving sensor and simulation technologies. It is also collaborating with Russian security services provider Siber Security to manufacture and jointly promote ST Electronics’ product “Agilfence” in Russia.

(iv)      Singapore’s Tanstarr Group is entering into long-term contracts with PJSC Lukoil for supply of jet fuel, while Pavilion Energy has signed a 10-year agreement with Gazprom for supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG). 

               Third. the two countries will promote the use of Singapore’s commercial dispute resolution services, and training of civil servants.

               DPM Tharman welcomed Russia’s interest to use Singapore’s commercial dispute resolution services. Singapore International Arbitration Centre, which is among the leading five arbitration centres internationally and is highly regarded for both its impartiality and efficiency, is well placed to serve Russian companies, especially those with business engagements in Asia.

               The DPMs noted discussions between Singapore’s Civil Service College and Russia’s Ministry of Open Government to develop a programme for senior Russian representatives to visit Singapore to exchange views on efficient governance and Smart Nation technologies.

               The DPMs noted the progress made in the establishment of the Russian Cultural Centre in Singapore, which will facilitate cultural exchanges between the two countries.  They also welcomed the updating of the 1994 MOU between Singapore’s then-Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts and Russia’s Ministry of Culture concerning Cooperation in the Fields of the Arts and Heritage.

               The DPMs witnessed the signing of the following non-commercial MOUs and agreements, which will enhance exchanges between Singapore and Russia:

(i)           Protocol to the Russia-Singapore Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement;

(ii)          Russia-Singapore Visa Abolition Agreement for Diplomatic, Official and Service Passport holders;

(iii)         Russia-Singapore Labour MOU to enhance cooperation between Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower and Russia’s Ministry of Labour and Social Protection in the areas of social security systems, occupational safety and health, and policies and programmes for improving workforce employability; and

(iv)         MOU between NTU and Moscow State University (MSU) to promote official graduate exchanges and collaboration on graduate recruitment.

              On the conclusion of the IGC, the co-chairs signed the Joint Statement (attached) and looked forward to the Seventh Session of the IGC in Singapore in 2016.

[1] The EAEU currently comprises Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia.  Russia, like its fellow EAEU members, cannot enter into preferential trade agreements on Trade in Goods bilaterally given the existence of its Customs Union.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE 

18 NOVEMBER 2015

JOINT STATEMENT

OF THE SIXTH SESSION

OF THE HIGH-LEVEL RUSSIA-SINGAPORE

INTER-GOVERNMENTAL COMMISSION

The sixth session of the High-level Russia-Singapore Inter-Governmental Commission (hereinafter referred to as «the Commission») was held in Moscow on the 17th of November 2015 to promote the development of broad-based cooperation between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Singapore (hereinafter referred to as «the Parties»).

The session was co-chaired by the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mr. I. Shuvalov and Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies of the Republic of Singapore Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam. The meeting was held in an atmosphere of cordiality, friendliness and mutual understanding.

The agenda is attached at Annex I.

The lists of the delegations of the Parties are attached at Annex II.

The Parties agreed on the following areas of cooperation.

Bilateral Relations between Russia and Singapore

The Parties agreed to expedite the preparation and endorsement of bilateral agreements which are currently under consideration.

1.                 The Parties welcomed the signing on 28 May 2015 and the entry into force on 21 October 2015 of the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Singapore on the establishment of the Russian cultural center in the Republic of Singapore.

2.                 The Parties welcomed the signing on 17 November 2015 of the Visa Abolition Agreement for Diplomatic, Official and Service passport holders between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Singapore.

3.                 The Parties welcomed the signing on 17 November 2015 of the Protocol to the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Singapore.

4.                 The Parties welcomed the signing on 17 November 2015 of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Manpower of the Republic of Singapore.

Trade and Economic Cooperation

5.                 The Parties emphasized the potential for further intensification of economic cooperation and business ties. The Parties also noted the importance of strengthening trade, investment and economic relations between Russia and Singapore, and in diversifying economic cooperation across various sectors.

6.                 In this regard, the Parties welcomed the commencement of expert consultations to review the Trade Agreement between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the Republic of Singapore of 2 April 1966. Both Parties agreed to upgrade the Trade Agreement of 1966 and shared an understanding that such possibility could be addressed through a conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and its Member States, on one side, and Singapore, on the other side (Free Trade Agreement).

7.                 Recognizing Russia’s membership in the EAEU with Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, the Singapore Party expressed readiness to apply to the Eurasian Economic Commission to commence Free Trade Agreement discussions. The Parties agreed that in view of the clear interest on both sides, the officials will proceed to start the process.

8.                 The Russian Party invited the Singapore Party to take an active participation in the XXth anniversary of the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum – the leading Russian business communications event, which will take place on 16-18 June 2016 in Saint Petersburg at the new exhibition center «Expoforum», and to consider new exhibition possibilities offered this year.

9.                 The Parties welcomed further exchanges and cooperation between the Central Bank of Russia and the Monetary Authority of Singapore on issues of joint interest.

Regional Cooperation

10.            The Parties expressed their intention to further develop cooperation between regions of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Singapore.

11.            The Parties welcomed the organization of the Days of Moscow in the Republic of Singapore in the second half of 2016.

12.            The Parties welcomed the cooperation of the Government of Moscow with Singaporean partners in developing transport infrastructure (metro control system development, intelligent transportation system implementation and modernization), and in increasing the attractiveness of public transport in Moscow.

13.            The Parties agreed to facilitate the intensification of negotiations on cooperation between both countries’ private sectors, on intelligent transportation systems in the construction of new metro lines.

14.            The Parties welcomed the intention of the Government of Moscow to continue cooperation in the fields of integrated security of megacities, urban development, masterplanning of new cities, housing, utilities, e-government, the provision of public services, and research in the best global practices of urban governance.

15.            The Parties welcomed the intention of the St. Petersburg Government to hold
a presentation of St. Petersburg’s economic and investment potential in Singapore in 2016.

16.            The Singapore Party expressed appreciation for the new investment conditions currently being created in the Russian Far East. In this regard, the Russian Party proposed to continue bilateral cooperation in the Russian Far East in order to implement concrete collaborative projects, including those involving territories of advanced social and economic development and the Free Port of Vladivostok.

17.            The Singapore Party expressed readiness to hold consultations with relevant Russian government agencies in order to identify prospective spheres for further cooperation, as well as to provide assistance in informing Singaporean companies about the economic potential of the Russian Far East Federal District. 

18.            The Parties expressed support for the activities of «Basic Element», LLC «Sberbank Investments», and «Changi Airports International» in developing regional airports in the Russian Federation.

19.            The Parties welcomed the agreement on the terms between JSC «International Airport «Sheremetyevo» and the Russian Direct Investment Fund, «Basic Element» group and «Changi Airports International» company on the acquisition of shares of JSC «International Airport Vladivostok». The Parties also agreed to provide assistance to the participants of the deal.

Cooperation in Agriculture

20.            The Russian Party reiterated its readiness to extend the investment partnership with the Republic of Singapore in agriculture, and to further assist Singaporean companies in implementing collaborative projects in the territory of the Russian Federation.

21.            The Russian Party expressed its interest in the export of pork, beef and poultry meat and their by-products, as well as finished meat products to the Republic of Singapore. The Russian Party would like to propose for the Singapore side to start a risk assessment procedure in order to enter the Singaporean market of raw beef, poultry and pork, their by-products and finished meat products. Rosselkhoznadzor will have sent the Competent Authority of Singapore the complete questionnaire regarded as a prerequisite for the procedure by the end of 2015.

22.            The Parties agreed that once the evaluation of the questionnaire is concluded, it would be necessary to conduct inspection of Russian establishments as the second step of the risk assessment procedure in 2016.

23.            The Russian Party noted Singapore’s interest to export meat, fish and dairy products to Russia and Singapore (Agri-food and Veterinary Authority)’s invitation to Rossekhoznadzor (FSVPS) to visit Singapore in order to conduct site inspection to assess its processing plants.  In this connection, the Rossekhoznadzor will conduct the site inspection expeditiously in 2016.

24.            The Parties recognized the work of Olam International and agreed to take necessary actions to enable Olam to implement its projects in the territory of the Russian Federation by the end of this year.

On the Proposals of the Russian Companies for Cooperation with Singapore

25.            The Russian Party expressed support for the interest of Russian company Biomedical Holding «ORGKHIM» to build a facility for the production of non-carcinogenic oil-fillers through the affiliated company «Orgkhim Singapore Industries Pte. Ltd.». The Russian Party further expressed the interest of ORGKHIM Biochemical Holding to attract investments from financial institutions of Singapore for the implementation of a carcinogen-free RPO manufacturing unit in Malaysia by sub-company of Orgkhim Singapore Industries Pte. Ltd..

26.            The Parties expressed readiness to support and facilitate the interest of Russian company СJSC «BIOCAD» in implementing its innovative projects in the territory of Singapore.

27.            The Parties welcomed the signing of the LNG Sales and Purchase Agreement between «Gazprom Marketing and Trading Singapore» and «Pavilion Gas» and support further cooperation between the two companies.

28.            The Russian Party offered the Singapore Party to consider the opportunity to participate in investment funds run by the largest state owned investment fund of the Russian Federation, ROSNANO, which has a focus on hi-tech companies located in the Asia-Pacific region.

Cooperation in the Field of Information Technologies

29.            The Parties agreed to enhance cooperation in the field of information and communications technologies.

30.            The Parties agreed to share their respective experiences and knowledge in the implementation and use of digital government and Smart Nation / City technologies, and provide the necessary assistance for the cooperation between relevant agencies, associations, and companies of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Singapore.

31.            The Parties agreed to enhance cooperation and explore collaboration programs between information and communications technology start-ups. 

32.            The Parties welcomed the opening of the new development center of «Acronis» company in Singapore and expressed support for the work of the company.

33.            The Parties also welcomed the initiative of «Acronis» to enhance cooperation with Singaporean scientific institutions and universities in carrying out joint research, in particular in the field of data protection, cyber security, and Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative.

34.            The Parties noted the interests of Russian companies, including but not limited to «Prognoz» and «TrueConf», to cooperate with the Singapore Party in the field of information and communication technologies.

35.            The Russian Party stressed the interest of Russian companies, including LLC «High-Technology Center», to cooperate with Singaporean companies in the field of IT-projects and robotics technologies development.

Cooperation in the Field of Science and Education

36.            The Parties reaffirmed their intention to enhance cooperation in the field of education by increasing academic exchanges and encouraging partnerships between educational institutions of Russia and Singapore. For these purposes the Parties recommend that relevant educational institutions accelerate cooperation in the field of education. 

37.            The Parties support educational institutions’ initiatives for exchanges of experiences and best practices in the field of teacher education. 

38.            The Parties agreed to facilitate the exchange of the best practices in the field of higher education management, aiming to strengthen the competitiveness of higher education institutions and further promote them in the authoritative global ratings of education quality.

39.            The Parties supported scientific and educational institutions’ initiatives to establish bottom-up bilateral partnership relations, including those facilitated by the Russian Scientific Foundation and the National Research Foundation of Singapore.

40.            The Parties welcomed the proactive participation of scientific and educational organizations as well as of business communities in bilateral conferences and exhibitions, such as the Moscow International Salon of Education (April 2016, Moscow) and «Open Innovations» Forum, which will facilitate increased bilateral scientific and educational cooperation, as well as bilateral cooperation in the field of innovation, and develop its new ways and forms.

41.            The Parties noted with satisfaction the rapidly growing cooperation between the Lomonosov Moscow State University (the Russian Federation) and Nanyang Technological University (the Republic of Singapore) on PhD training, student exchange, staff exchange and research collaboration, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding; and between Innopolis University (the Russian Federation) and the National University of Singapore (the Republic of Singapore) represented by its School of Computing, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding and the Agreement of Cooperation. 

42.            The Parties welcomed the collaboration between the Russian company Sportmaster Group and the Nanyang Technological University (the Republic of Singapore) in accordance with a Memorandum of Understanding for research and innovation in Sports Science as well as student internships.

Cooperation in the Field of Healthcare

43.            The Parties welcomed the on-going exchanges of experiences and views in the areas of healthcare especially in the domains of healthcare financing and tobacco control.

Cooperation in the Field of Transport

44.                 The Russian Party informed the Singapore Party of the opportunities of using the GLONASS satellite navigation system in the field of transport security and provided the presentation materials.

45.            The Russian Party invited the Singapore Party to take part in the activities of the «Transport Week 2015», which will be held from 30 November to 5 December 2015 in Moscow.

Seventh Session of the Commission

46.            The Parties expressed their satisfaction with the results of the sixth session of the Commission and agreed to hold the seventh session of the Commission in the Republic of Singapore in 2016. The specific dates and venue will be agreed upon through diplomatic channels.

Done in Moscow on the 17th of November 2015, in duplicate, in the Russian and English languages, both versions being equally authentic.

Chairman of the Singapore Party

of the Commission,

Deputy Prime Minister
and Coordinating Minister
for Economic and Social Policies
of the Republic of Singapore

Tharman Shanmugaratnam

Chairman of the Russian Party

of the Commission,

First Deputy Prime Minister

of the Russian Federation

Igor Shuvalov

[1] The EAEU currently comprises Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia.  Russia, like its fellow EAEU members, cannot enter into preferential trade agreements on Trade in Goods bilaterally given the existence of its Customs Union.