Singapore and India discuss bilateral cooperation on semiconductors, food security at ministerial meeting

On maritime heritage, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) in Singapore and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways in India signed an MOU to facilitate information and training exchanges and encourage participation in international engagements.

The MOU reaffirms the robust and broad-based bilateral relationship between Singapore and India, and commits to continuing cultural partnership and collaboration efforts, an MCCY factsheet said.

Singapore and India also signed a letter of intent on cooperation in telecommunication and broadcasting, aiming to promote the exchange of information, experiences and best practices.

Areas of cooperation include consumer protection and broadcasting regulations.

“CANDID” MEETING BETWEEN MINISTERS

Speaking to reporters ahead of a lunch with the Indian delegation and business representatives from both countries, Mr Gan said both sides had a “very long” discussion and had gone into “great depth”.

He added that the format of the meeting is unique because the discussions happen without officials present.

Mr Gan said good progress was made at the ministerial roundtable despite certain “hiccups”, though he did not elaborate on what the issues were.

“I think with this platform, it’s very easy now for us to call each other. I know all the four ministers personally, so it’s not so difficult for me to just give a call to my counterpart to say we have this issue, can you please help us look into it,” he said.

The most important value of the platform is that the two sides develop trust and relationships, which will help to strengthen bilateral collaboration, he said.