Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan eyeing projects with S'pore: President

Republic regards both as partners, wants to seek opportunities in Central Asia: Halimah

- Michelle Ng

SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan - Both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are keen to pursue different projects with Singapore and explore business opportunities with companies, said President Halimah Yacob on Thursday.

The inking of various agreements will create more economic opportunities for Singapore companies to explore and, hopefully, open more doors in both markets, said Madam Halimah at the end of five days of state visits to the two Central Asian countries.

In an interview to wrap up her trip, she said Uzbekistan President gave her his Shavkat Mirziyoyev personal assurance that he would "do his best to remove all the wrinkles for Singapore companies to be able to invest and trade with their private sector companies".

Madam Halimah also highlighted the services and investment agreement signed on Monday with Kazakhstan as one important out-come of the visit.

The legally binding agreement will allow Singapore companies seamless access to various service sectors in Kazakhstan, such as specialised medical services, urban planning and engineering.

She noted that Singapore and Kazakhstan are focusing not just on business opportunities, but also on how to expand the tourism sector.