Former PM of Singapore said - Opportunities are seen in India's progress, preparations to invest in these areas

Singapore is seeing opportunities for itself in India's rapid progress. Lee Hsien Loong, who was the Prime Minister of Singapore for 20 years, has said this. While meeting the Indian business community on Saturday, Loong said that 'India is moving forward rapidly. Singapore has credibility in India and we have had very good relations with all Indian governments.' According to the Singapore media report, the former PM said that Singapore is looking at opportunities to increase bilateral trade with India and increase cooperation in sectors like skill training and fintech.

The former PM said Singapore is also looking for investment opportunities in healthcare, digital, and green energy sectors in India. Lee also referred to the two-decade-old Singapore-India Free Trade Agreement between India and Singapore and said that it has helped boost trade, investment, and travel relations between the two countries. He also pointed out that Singapore heavily depends on immigrants and foreign workers to increase its population and talent pool. Therefore, people coming to Singapore should be managed with 'extreme sensitivity and caution, so that these flows remain balanced and sustainable.'

It is worth noting that in Singapore too, resentment is growing among the local people regarding migrant and foreign workers. While speaking at a dinner organized by the Singapore Indian Development Association (Sinda) and 14 other Indian community organizations, Lee said, 'We must also stand firmly against extreme nationalism and hatred towards foreigners and welcome newcomers to become part of our extended family.'

He said that this is a continuous process that takes time but gradually the migrants will also integrate into the local community. This is how we can preserve and enrich Singapore's identity, he stressed, and build a cohesive and inclusive society that is connected to the world, strong and not divided by our diversity. Lee also praised the progress of the Indian community and noted its remarkable contribution in many fields. He said even though the community is small, it has played an important role in Singapore's society and has worked with other communities to contribute in many ways. People of Indian origin make up about 9 percent of Singapore's population of 6 million.