On September 28, 2008, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council met in Tianjin with Senior Minister of Singapore Goh Chok Tong who was there attending the Summer Davos.

Wen said that China-Singapore cooperation has been very active since China launched reform and opening up. As an important demonstration program, the building of Tianjin Eco-City is a pioneering undertaking of the two countries to cope with global climate change and realize sustainable development. He expressed hope that the two sides strengthen collaboration to ensure the success of the program. China stands ready to enhance cooperation with Singapore in the field of human resources development so as to further push forward the bilateral ties.

Goh Chok Tong extended sincere congratulations on the space walk of the Chinese taikonauts and China’s successful launch of Shenzhou 7 and hosting of the Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. He pointed out that the relations between Singapore and China continue moving forward, the two sides have signed the free trade zone agreement this year and started the construction of the Eco-City fairly quickly. Singapore is willing to reinforce bilateral cooperation in terms of education and talents development and push for the in-depth development of friendship and cooperation with China.

The two leaders jointly attended the launch ceremony of Tianjin Eco-City following their meeting.

Located on the waste salina of Tianjin Binhai New Area, the Eco-City covers a land of about 30 square kilometers. To build the Eco-City on the waste salina where water and other resources are scarce demonstrates the determination of the two governments of tackling global climate change, strengthening environmental protection and saving resources and energy.

On the same day, Wen also attended the launch ceremony of Airbus A320 Tianjin Final Assembly Company.

The Tianjin final assembly line of Airbus A320 is the first of its kind Airbus has established outside Europe and a landmark project of China-EU mutually beneficial cooperation. From launch to the final assembly of the first A320 aircraft, it takes only 15 months, which marks a miracle in the history of large programs.

Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Tianjin Municipal Committee Zhang Gaoli attended the above activities. Also present at those activities were Singaporean Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan, Airbus CEO Thomas Enders and COO John Leahy, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of Germany and the ambassadors to China of Britain, Spain, France, Germany and EU.