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Opportunities
for Singapore businesses in Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar
By Melvin Yong, Channel
NewsAsia
Posted: 31 March 2005 1953 hrs
PHNOM PENH : Prime Minister
Lee Hsien Loong has wrapped up his introductory visit
to Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia with the assessment that
there are many business opportunities for Singapore companies
to explore.
He said bilateral ties
between Singapore and these countries are good.
It was a red carpet welcome
for the Prime Minister in Phnom Penh, Yangon and Vientiene.
Mr Lee said the outcome
of the discussions he held were good, with no outstanding
bilateral issues with Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia.
On broader regional cooperation,
they discussed participation at the upcoming East Asia
Summit.
"I think there is
a broad view that we want this to be an inclusive summit;
that the participation should be wide, to reflect the
way regional cooperation and integration is taking place
and it would be good to have not only the ASEAN plus
three - which is China, South Korea and Japan - but also
to have India, and Australia and New Zealand to be part
of the East Asian summit group." said Mr Lee.
Although it may have been
a whirlwind visit, the significance lies in what the Prime
Minister achieved by going to Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia.
It allowed him to establish
a deeper level of contact with leaders of the three countries.
It also gave Singapore
a chance to cultivate closer relations with the newer
members of ASEAN.
For businesses, Mr Lee
said there are many opportunities in Laos, Myanmar and
Cambodia, but much will depend on how quickly the countries
open up.
On local issues, Mr Lee
was asked about the emotional public reaction to creating
a Singapore elite.
"My message is to
say we want to be inclusive, we want everybody to have
a role, we want the talent to rise up and we want those
who have risen to remember where they came from and look
after everybody. I think that everybody can agree, but
I can understand that when I use a word like elite, some
people will say already it's a difficult subject."
said Mr Lee.
But he believes over time
people will come to accept what he's trying to explain.
- CNA
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