Xue Baojin, Honorary President of The Singapore Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China; President of the Singapore China Friendship Association, attended the forum and delivered a speech
date:2023-12-20 17:03:56      hits:
The 5th Belt and Road Women’s Forum successfully convened in Sanya, Hainan from December 6-8. Co-hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, and the UN Resident Coordinator Office in China, and jointly organized by the People’s Government of Sanya City, the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development, and the Secretariat of the Belt and Road Women’s Forum. Xue Baojin, Honorary President of The Singapore Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China; President of the Singapore China Friendship Association, attended the forum and delivered a speech
Xue Baojin, Honorary President of The Singapore Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China; President of the Singapore China Friendship Association, attended the forum and delivered a speech


Respected Vice Chairman Li Xikui,
Esteemed leaders, distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen, good morning!
 
It’s a great honor for me today to have this meaningful opportunity to interact with everyone on this platform. As a representative from Singapore, I would first like to introduce the relationship between Singapore and China. This year marks the 33rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and China. Over these 33 years, our two countries have achieved fruitful outcomes in trade and investment cooperation.
 
This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. I believe the cooperative relationship between Singapore and China can further enhance the development of the Belt and Road Initiative. In the past decade, Singapore has been China’s largest source of foreign investment, while China is Singapore’s biggest trading partner. This April, the leaders of both countries elevated our relationship to a comprehensive, high-quality, forward-looking partnership, positioning Singapore as one of China’s key partners among the Belt and Road participating countries. Our two countries need to collaborate and usher in a new chapter of economic growth.
 
Thirty years ago, our journey in Beijing began, and I’ve spent 26 of those years in China. Over this time, I’ve witnessed China’s rise and the remarkable development of Chinese women in the past two decades. They have made their voices heard in various fields, and I believe this trend will continue. Let me briefly introduce the Singapore-China Friendship Association. Established in 2020, this non-profit organization aims to provide a sustainable platform for communication and mutual aid, sharing resources among Singaporeans working in China. Additionally, it serves as a bridge, bringing closer the Chinese nationals in the Singapore region, significantly strengthening the people-to-people exchanges between Singapore and China.
 
Ladies and gentlemen, the main objective of our Singapore-China Friendship Association is to promote female exchange and cooperation, and foster people-to-people bonds and 'She Power'. Our goal is to create a harmonious and beautiful community.
 
Although women from different countries and conditions play varied roles, we’ve seen a dramatic change in their status. From family development to various societal roles, women’s influence is pervasive. In my roles as a mother, daughter, sister-in-law, mother-in-law, and more, I believe in fostering harmony at home. As a woman, I feel it’s my responsibility to provide love to every family member, guide my children, and serve other family members. I have to create a loving environment, offering emotional value and a positive emotional setting for our children.
 
Women typically facilitate communication and understanding within the family, and their emotional intelligence contributes to building strong family relationships, creating a solid foundation for a thriving family and society. Balancing family responsibilities and career development, women demonstrate resilience and multitasking abilities, especially in nurturing the next generation. These dual roles in family and community have made women vital forces in various movements advocating for gender equality, social justice, and human rights. Women’s participation in politics, business, and community organizations brings balance, with their unique perspectives and problem-solving methods leading to more effective governance and positive societal changes.
 
Women are often the linchpins of community development, actively participating in volunteer work, charity, and various community activities, addressing the needs of the most vulnerable. The passion and empathy of women contribute significantly to the betterment of our communities.
 
In Singapore, the number of women participating in such activities has increased substantially. From only three female MPs in 1984, today we have over 90 elected MPs. This shows a growing interest in women's political participation. Similarly, in China, women contribute significantly to creating a better life, with valuable impacts across multiple dimensions. Understanding the multifaceted roles of women is crucial, especially for building a more inclusive and better society. It’s important to continue promoting gender equality, enabling women to realize their full potential and contribute to a brighter future for the next generation.
 
Recognizing the multifaceted roles of women is crucial, especially in building a more inclusive and better society. It’s imperative that we continue to promote gender equality, enabling women to exercise their equal rights and unlock their potential, thus shaping a brighter future for the next generation. I seize this opportunity to express my gratitude to the organizers for inviting me to this event and allowing me to share my perspective from a woman’s viewpoint. I wish everyone good health and happiness. Thank you!






The theme of the forum, ‘She Power: Jointly Building and Sharing a Beautiful Life,’ reflects a focus on women’s unique contributions and empowerment within the context of the Belt and Road Initiative. Organized by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, and the All-China Youth Federation, along with the People’s Government of Sanya City leadership, the forum brought together over 400 participants. These included the First Lady of Guyana, representatives from the United Nations, Nobel laureates in Physiology or Medicine, and ambassadors from Kyrgyzstan, Zambia, Maldives, Switzerland, Nepal, Guyana, Uganda, Mozambique, and various other countries, along with national and international business representatives.
 
During the forum, in-depth discussions and exchanges took place around the theme. Guests shared insights on the distinctive role played by women in the ten years since the Belt and Road Initiative was launched. They highlighted the substantial achievements of women and looked forward to the future of the initiative, advocating for women’s empowerment to foster common development and prosperity in human society.
 
2023 marks the tenth anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. Over the past decade, the Belt and Road Women’s Forum has been instrumental in showcasing the unique role of women in the development of the Belt and Road Initiative, promoting comprehensive and sustainable development for women, and enhancing people-to-people connections among the participating countries. The forum has successfully established a platform for communication and collaboration among women across the Belt and Road countries, building bridges for mutual understanding and cooperation.