11 June 2019
Welcome Remarks by Mr Benedict Cheong, Chief Executive, Temasek Foundation International, at the RSIS-WTO Parliamentarian Workshop 2019
Tuesday, 11 June 2019
Pan Pacific Hotel, Singapore
Mr Tan Chuan Jin, Speaker of Parliament, Singapore,
Mr Keith Rockwell, Director of Information and External Relations Division, World Trade Organisation,
Ambassador Ong Keng Yong, Executive Deputy Chairman, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies
Excellencies, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Morning.
A warm welcome to the 56 regional parliamentarians and officials present here today! I am pleased to join all of you this morning at the official opening of the RSIS – WTO Parliamentarian Workshop 2019, under the ‘Temasek Foundation Series on Trade & Negotiations’.
2. Today is also a special occasion as we mark the 10th year of this programme. While the programme was started ten years back, Temasek Foundation entered into partnership with the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in 2011 to co-present this programme. It has been an enriching experience observing and learning from distinguished parliamentarians in the region.
3. There is no one-size-fits-all approach in the world of international trade. Managing a country’s participation in trade agreements is always a complex matter. From garnering support for trade policies to ensuring smooth implementation after the agreements are in place, parliamentarians play a critical role in the facilitation process.
4. What this programme does is to provide a platform for parliamentarians, legislators and trade officials from the region to share experiences and exchange knowledge on international trade issues. We hope that this annual gathering of parliamentarians will help in deepening the understanding of international trade system, practices, negotiation and agreements, and policy-making and implementation related to trade issues and agreements.
5. Set up in 2007 by Temasek, a Singapore Investment Company, Temasek Foundation contributes to a thriving, prosperous and connected Asia. We support programmes that build capabilities in health care, education, urban management, public administration, and disasterpreparedness. With over S$226 million committed to more than 470 programmes, it is our belief that programmes such as this parliamentarian workshop will continue to enhance people-to-people connections and foster greater economic integration and growth in Asia and beyond.
6. My sincere gratitude to Speaker, Mr Tan Chuan Jin, for joining us here today. We are appreciative of your support and taking time to share your insights with our friends from the region. Thank you.
7. My deepest appreciation to our partners, WTO and RSIS for the partnership over the past many years. Ambassador Ong Keng Yong and Mr Keith Rockwell – thank you and your teams for your hard work in ensuring the success of the programme. Congratulations once again on the 10th year milestone and I am confident that our continued partnership will contribute positively to the trade community in Asia and internationally.
8. Thank you.
