SM Goh Chok Tong to Visit Libya (31 Aug – 2 Sep 2009)

Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong will visit the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya from 31 August to 2 September 2009 to represent Singapore at the 40th Anniversary celebrations of the Great Al Fateh Revolution (Libya’s National Day) in Tripoli, which will be attended by a number of foreign leaders and dignitaries. Senior Minister Goh will be accompanied by Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Education S Iswaran. In Tripoli, Senior Minister Goh will meet senior members of the Libyan government.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2006, Singapore’s economic relations with Libya have strengthened significantly. Bilateral trade grew from S$93 million in 2007 to S$406 million in 2008. To date, Singapore companies have secured over S$2 billion in projects in Libya’s construction, water infrastructure and capability development sectors.

The Libya-Singapore Joint Working Group, established soon after Senior Minister Goh’s first visit to Libya in May 2008, is a key economic platform for the two countries to promote bilateral cooperation. Singapore and Libya have also signed an Investment Guarantee Agreement and the Avoidance of Double Taxation Convention in April 2009. The agreements will take effect after they are ratified by both countries.

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PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
SINGAPORE
30 AUGUST 2009