• Published on 20 September 2018
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New milestones in financial cooperation between Singapore and China

Singapore and China achieved new milestones in financial cooperation as both sides discussed ways to deepen existing collaboration and expand cooperation into new areas. The discussions were held during the 14th Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC), co-chaired by Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, Mr Teo Chee Hean, and People’s Republic of China Executive Vice Premier of the State Council, Mr Han Zheng.

Ongoing collaboration to promote the use of RMB in the region has delivered good results. Singapore continues to be one of the top three offshore RMB centres globally, based on RMB deposits, trade finance, and clearing activities. The RMB is also among the top 5 foreign currencies traded in Singapore.

The next phase of Singapore-China financial cooperation will focus on four areas.

Strengthening Supervisory Cooperation
Financial authorities from both sides committed to strengthen supervisory cooperation as financial institutions and investors from both countries increase activities in each other’s markets. The enhanced supervisory cooperation will facilitate a deeper understanding of each other’s regulatory approach, and contribute to a more effective cross-border supervisory and regulatory oversight where needed. Both sides will also step up bilateral engagements through regular high-level dialogues and staff attachments.

Enhancing Financial Connectivity
To support growing interest from investors to participate in each other’s markets over the medium term, both sides will explore possible initiatives that can facilitate such investment flows.

Expanding Cooperation in FinTech
Amidst a fast-changing global financial landscape and the rapid growth of FinTech activities in both Singapore and China, financial agencies from both countries are expanding collaboration in FinTech matters. This includes facilitating information exchange on FinTech developments and risks, and providing for regulatory cooperation on cross-border FinTech activities.

Supporting the Belt and Road Initiative
There is strong potential to dovetail ASEAN’s infrastructure financing anddevelopment initiative with China’s Belt and Road Initiative. In particular, Singapore’s Infrastructure Asia can provide an open platform for Chinese infrastructure developers and financial institutions to partner relevant players in Singapore and participate in regional infrastructure projects that support ASEAN’s needs.

MAS Managing Director, Mr Ravi Menon, said: “That we are able to advance fresh initiatives on financial co-operation between China and Singapore each year is testament to the strong relationship between MAS and our counterparts in China. As thefinancial sectors develop further in both China and Singapore, there are significant opportunities to enhance financial connectivity for mutual benefit. We are also stepping up collaboration in supervision, to ensure stability and confidence as our financial markets grow and become more connected.”

Re-dessiminated by The Asian Banker