Singapore and Chongqing Celebrate a Decade of Digital and Innovation-Led Growth
Singapore and Chongqing have marked the 10th anniversary of the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity (CCI), a flagship bilateral project that has deepened economic links and driven innovation-led collaboration between Southeast Asia and Western China, according to a report by OpenGovAsia.
The CCI, launched in 2015, is a Government-to-Government initiative that focuses on four strategic sectors: financial services, aviation, transport and logistics, and information and communications technology (ICT). The project has been instrumental in shaping a digitally connected and innovation-focused future, with a strong emphasis on digitalisation, sustainability, and innovation. As reported by OpenGovAsia, Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo, accompanied by Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How, visited Chongqing from 2 to 3 June 2025 to kick off the commemorative activities.
During her visit, Minister Teo met with Yuan Jiajun, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Secretary of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee. Both reaffirmed their ambition to position Singapore and Chongqing as twin hubs, underpinned by advanced digital infrastructure, smart services, and modern connectivity, to enhance region-to-region engagement, as stated in the OpenGovAsia report. At the 10th Joint Implementation Committee Meeting (JIC), co-chaired by Minister Teo and Chongqing Mayor Hu Henghua, discussions centred on deepening cooperation in emerging growth areas, including expanding collaboration through digitalisation, sustainability, and innovation.
The CCI has achieved significant milestones over the past decade, including the establishment of the Joint Innovation Development Fund (JIDF), which has supported 17 bilateral Infocomm Media projects in areas such as smart tourism, logistics, and IoT applications, according to OpenGovAsia. The fund, backed by S$2.17 million from Singapore and RMB 13.42 million (approximately SG$ 2.5 million) from Chongqing, has become a catalyst for digital experimentation and co-development. Additionally, the jointly developed Multimodal Distribution and Connectivity Centre integrates road, rail, and river transport systems to support digital supply chains and data-enabled trade flows.
Minister Teo remarked, as quoted in the OpenGovAsia report, “The CCI remains a vital platform for Singapore and Chongqing to foster future-ready collaboration. As we enter the next decade, our focus will sharpen around digital transformation and sustainability, supporting businesses as they navigate new frontiers and unlock opportunities across the digital economy.” To celebrate the CCI’s 10th anniversary, a series of events will be held across both cities, including the upcoming CCI-New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor (CCI-ILSTC) Trade and Financial Conference, scheduled for 11 June in Singapore.
Over 20 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were signed, covering domains such as green economy, healthcare innovation, and talent development, as reported by OpenGovAsia. The MOUs aim to promote cultural exchange and innovation-driven tourism, with “Chongqing Week in Singapore” (10–13 June) and “Experience Singapore Week” (30 September–3 October in Chongqing) expected to enhance region-to-region engagement. By anchoring its next chapter in innovation, Singapore and Chongqing are charting a digitally empowered course to advance regional growth, strengthen enterprise ties, and shape a more connected and sustainable future through smart platforms, joint research programmes, AI-enabled solutions, digital capacity-building efforts, and strengthened public-private tech partnerships across borders.
As the CCI continues to evolve, it is expected to be further supported by initiatives in trade digitalisation, green infrastructure, and data-driven financing models. Collaborations are also expanding in sectors such as healthcare technology, education, and food traceability — all aligned with the broader theme of “modern connectivity and modern services.” With its strong focus on innovation and digitalisation, the CCI is well-positioned to drive inclusive digital economic participation, boost interoperability, and enhance resilience in the region, as reported by OpenGovAsia.
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