Chinese Premier Li Qiang Pledges High-Level Opening-Up and Optimized Business Environment in Singapore

Premier Li Qiang Affirms China's Commitment to Global Engagement

Chinese Premier Li Qiang concluded a significant official visit to Singapore from October 25 to 26, 2025, where he reiterated China's steadfast commitment to promoting high-level opening-up and continuously optimizing its business environment. The Premier's remarks were made during a China-Singapore business roundtable on Sunday, October 26, underscoring Beijing's dedication to fostering a more welcoming and predictable landscape for international businesses.

Key Pledges for Market Access and Business Environment

During the business roundtable, attended alongside Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, Premier Li Qiang outlined specific measures China intends to pursue. He stated that China would 'firmly promote high-level opening-up, further ease market access, continuously optimize business environment and actively address enterprises' reasonable concerns.' These commitments aim to reassure foreign investors and businesses operating within China, signaling a continued push towards greater economic integration and transparency. The Premier highlighted that the development of each country presents an important opportunity for the other, advocating for mutual respect, trust, opening-up, and cooperation to achieve shared prosperity.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Regional Cooperation

Premier Li Qiang's visit marked a significant milestone, celebrating the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and China in 2025. This was his first official visit to Singapore as Premier, following a visit by Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to Beijing in June. During his stay, Premier Li held bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, where both leaders agreed to further strengthen bilateral trade and investment links. They also witnessed the exchange of cooperation documents in various areas, including:

• Green development
• Digital economy
• Information and communication
• Transportation
• Food safety
• Emergency management
• Training and development
• Third-party cooperation

Premier Li also called for deeper collaboration across a wide range of sectors and welcomed Singaporean enterprises to share in the opportunities arising from China's continued development.

Advocating for Multilateralism and Free Trade

Beyond bilateral discussions, Premier Li Qiang used the platform to advocate for a broader global economic vision. He emphasized China's willingness to work with Singapore to 'oppose unilateralism and protectionism, uphold free trade and economic globalisation, and promote the development of the international order in a more just and reasonable direction.' This stance reinforces China's consistent message on maintaining an open and rules-based multilateral trading system, particularly amidst global headwinds.