As Singapore and China embark on the next phase of development, collaboration between the two countries will also continue to progress with the times, said Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat in an article published on Monday.

In the English version of the op-ed carried by ThinkChina, a newly launched online English-language magazine of the Chinese-language newspaper Lianhe Zaobao, Heng noted that he would be traveling to Chongqing in southwest China this week to co-chair, with Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng, the 15th China-Singapore Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) Meeting.

Heng said the meeting this year takes place at an important juncture. Singapore and China are entering a new phase of development, against the backdrop of a global economy that is facing significant headwinds and uncertainty, Heng noted.

"The JCBC is an opportunity for both countries to raise our trajectory to strengthen constructive cooperation on a win-win basis," he said.

The JCBC should scale new peaks, he said, adding that "we cannot afford to rest on our laurels and preserve the status quo. We need to keep up with the times and harness new areas of cooperation for the future."

As the new JCBC co-chair, Heng said he looks forward to building on the strong foundations between Singapore and China and bringing the relations to the next level.

Heng also expressed the belief that Singapore and China can expand the horizons of bilateral cooperation.

"Our two countries can contribute to develop the infrastructure and economic vibrancy of the region, as well as contribute to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals," Heng said.

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