FIRST MEETING OF THE SINO-SINGAPORE TIANJIN ECO-CITY JOINT WORKING COMMITTEE IN TIANJIN The first meeting of the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city Joint Working Committee was held in Tianjin on 31 January 2008. Eco-city Framework Agreement 2 The Eco-city project is another significant collaborative project between Singapore and the People’s Republic of China (PRC), following the development of the Suzhou Industrial Park. During PRC Premier Wen Jiabao’s visit to Singapore on 18 November last year, Premier Wen and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong signed the Framework Agreement for the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city. At the same time, the PRC Minister of Construction Wang Guangtao and Singapore’s Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan signed a Supplementary Agreement. 3 The development of the Eco-city has great economic, environmental and demonstration significance. It shows the determination of both countries in tackling global climate changes, strengthening environmental protection, conserving resources and energy, and building a harmonious society. The Eco-city will serve as a model for sustainable development for other cities in the PRC. 4 Through the development of the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city, the PRC and Singapore will collaborate to share their expertise and experiences in the formulation of policies and programmes in urban planning, environmental protection, resource conservation, recycling economy, ecological infrastructure development, use of renewable energy, reuse of wastewater, sustainable development and promotion of social harmony. 5 The PRC and Singapore attach great importance to the development of the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city, and have specially set up a Deputy Prime Ministerial-level Joint Steering Committee and a Ministerial-level Joint Working Committee to oversee this project. 6 Since the signing of the Framework Agreement last year, both countries have commenced work on the formulation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and related technical standards for the Eco-city, and the drawing up of the Master Plan for the Eco-city. The Eco-city Administrative Committee and the Joint Venture Company, which will undertake the development of the Eco-city, are in the process of being formed. Keppel Corporation and the Tianjin TEDA Investment Holdings Co. are the lead companies in the Singapore and PRC consortiums respectively, which will form the Joint Venture Company. First Joint Working Committee Meeting 7 Minister Wang Guangtao and Minister Mah Bow Tan, the two co-chairmen of the Joint Working Committee, hosted the first meeting of the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city Joint Working Committee in Tianjin on 31 January 2008. PRC Vice-Premier Wu Yi and Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Wong Kan Seng, the two co-chairpersons of the Joint Steering Committee, issued congratulatory letters to the JWC on the initiation of its meetings. The most important outcome of the inaugural meeting was the in-principle endorsement of the KPIs framework, which would provide a significant impetus to the development of the Eco-city. Message from PRC Vice-Premier Wu Yi 8 Vice-Premier Wu pointed out that the decision by the two governments to cooperate and develop the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city has important strategic and practical significance. Cooperation on the development of the Eco-city will help in the implementation of the scientific development concept, the development of the ecological civilization and the promotion of social harmony. It will also facilitate the implementation of China’s regional macro development strategies, and help China and Singapore to realise the aim of complementing each other’s strengths, and demonstrate their responsibilities and determination in tackling global issues on the environment and (the use of) resources. 9 Vice-Premier Wu pointed out that the KPIs are very important, as they would guide the planning of the Eco-city to achieve its developmental goals, and realise its aim as a model city. The JWC meeting will provide the impetus for the development of the Eco-city. She also urged the JWC and the Tianjin Municipal Government to drive the implementation of the Eco-city. Message from Singapore DPM Wong Kan Seng 10 In his message, DPM Wong noted that Singapore and China currently share very warm and strong ties and relationships. The development of the China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park was a significant milestone in bilateral co-operation between the two countries. The development of the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city will mark yet another new chapter and bring the partnership and friendship to even greater heights. 11 In his message, DPM Wong quoted the Chinese saying that a good start is half the way to success. He pointed out that it is similarly important for both countries to agree on a set of KPIs for the Eco-city at the outset of the project, as these will lay the foundation for the planning and development of the Eco-city, in order to achieve both countries’ vision of developing it into a socially harmonious, environmentally friendly and resource-efficient model city. 12 DPM Wong also pointed out that there was a lot to do over a relatively short period of time (in view of the groundbreaking being scheduled for July 2008). But he expressed confidence that all parties will continue to work hand-in-hand, in a spirit of mutual respect and learning, and ensure that the project stays on-track. Key Performance Indicators 13 From the perspective of sustainable development, the PRC and Singapore have in-principle endorsed KPIs for the Eco-city that will support developing an Eco-city that is economically vibrant, environmentally friendly, resource-efficient and socially harmonious. These KPIs will guide the planning and construction of the Eco-city project, to achieve the objectives of developing the Eco-city and in attaining its demonstrative effects. In drawing the KPIs, both countries are mindful that the Eco-city will need to be practical, scalable and replicable, so that it can serve as a model for other cities in the PRC. 14 The KPIs highlight concepts like the preservation and restoration of the natural ecology, recycling and efficient use of resources, social cohesion, green consumption and low carbon emission. The various ecology-related KPIs aim to safeguard the natural ecology and ensure that development of the Eco-city will not be at the expense of the environment. 15 The KPI on the proportion of green trips is targeted at shortening the travelling distance of the residents through green transportation planning. The long-term target is for at least 90 per cent of the residents walking, using public transport or cycling when commuting within the Eco-city. This will not only promote a healthy lifestyle among the residents, but will also greatly reduce the level of carbon emissions within the Eco-city, thus enhancing the living environment. To fulfil the employment-housing equilibrium index, sufficient jobs will need to be generated within the Eco-city. This will ensure that the economy will be vibrant, while reducing the need for residents to commute to outside the city on a daily basis. 16 There will be public housing in the Eco-city. Social amenities and facilities will be developed to meet the needs of residents. Another KPI is to achieve 100% barrier-free access in the Eco-city. Together, these KPIs will help to develop a more cohesive community. Indeed, one of the distinguishing features of the Eco-city will be its emphasis on developing and strengthening social harmony. The vision is to develop inclusive and close-knit communities with strong bonds that cut across the different social and economic demographics in the Eco-city, as well as a strong sense of shared ownership among the residents. 17 The meeting emphasized that the KPIs are important in fulfilling the vision and goals of the Eco-city and make it a new highlight of Sino-Singapore cooperation. The latter will not only benefit the people of both countries, but will also create an impact internationally, and contribute to sustainable development at the global level. Key Project Milestones 18 The groundbreaking ceremony of the Eco-city has been scheduled to take place in Tianjin in July 2008. Other key project milestones include the completion of the Master Plan of the Eco-city by the end of March 2008, and the detailed plans of the start-up area by the end of May 2008. Issued by : Ministry of National Development Date : 31 January 2008 << Back