Singapore firms are being encouraged to enter Guangdong early to seize opportunities, as the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting will be held in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, in November 2026.
Lim Chin Loon, Chairman of the Singapore Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China (SingCham), Guangdong Chapter, expects Singapore firms to proactively invest in Guangdong to capitalize on high-tech and regional market opportunities through policy benefits.
Guangdong and Singapore as complementary partners in CSGKC model
Guangdong has been Singapore's largest provincial-level trading partner in China for 36 consecutive years. Lim described Guangdong and Singapore as highly complementary partners. "Guangdong offers markets, industrial chains, and application scenarios, while Singapore provides global standards, high-end services, and networks."
This synergy is evident in flagship cooperation projects such as the China-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City (CSGKC), which marked its 15th anniversary in June 2025. Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore, visited CSGKC on September 1, 2025, and stated that Singapore is looking to deepen collaboration.
The area has attracted more than 100 Singapore-invested enterprises and is home to projects including the National University of Singapore Guangzhou Research Institute. It has developed a knowledge-intensive industrial ecosystem while fostering an international business environment and institutional innovation, becoming the top choice for Singapore firms in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
Guangdong companies are also making strides in the Singapore market. Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD emerged as Singapore's top new car brand in the first half of 2025, accounting for 19.5% of all new vehicle registrations. To support local development needs, BYD has partnered in Singapore to establish the city-state's first electric vehicle simulation training center, enhancing technical and service capabilities.
Lim suggested that the flow of innovation could increasingly run in both directions. "Guangdong companies and their R&D outcomes can use Singapore as a platform to expand further into ASEAN markets."
High-tech drives growth as APEC 2026 calls for early action
As 2025 marks the final year of China's 14th Five-Year Plan, China-Singapore cooperation has continued to strengthen over the past five years. The two countries now offer mutual 30-day visa-free travel, while the Further Upgrade Protocol of the China-Singapore Free Trade Agreement has entered into force. Despite global tariff tensions and geopolitical uncertainty, he expressed confidence in Asia's regional cooperation and long-term growth prospects.
He praised, "I think Guangdong's development is advancing by leaps and bounds. There is nothing you cannot do; only things you have not imagined. The world is watching Guangdong's development today, just as we once watched Europe, the United States, and other developed economies. It now leads China's high-tech development."
Lim stated that the APEC meeting to be held in Shenzhen recognizes the city's innovation capacity and openness and provides an opportunity to showcase its strengths to the world.
By the time of the meeting, related industries and areas in Shenzhen, such as the Xiangmihu New Financial Centre and the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone, are expected to benefit from the increased visibility and policy support surrounding the event.
At the same time, this is not only a strategic opportunity for China but also for exchange and cooperation across the entire Asia-Pacific region. Lim urged Singaporean firms not to wait until the meeting approaches before acting. "Opportunities can be fleeting. If you miss them, they may not come again," he said.
Lim advised Singapore businesses to prepare in advance before entering the Chinese market and to connect with organizations like SingCham. With over 1,300 members, SingCham serves as a key platform for facilitating contacts, networking, and practical engagement for Singaporean interests in China.
Reporter | Dai Bosi
Video | Qin Shaolong
Poster | Lai Meiya
Editor | Ouyang Yan, Hu Nan, Ou Xiaoming, James Campion, Shen He
