lunch with Mr Khoo, Chief Executive of the Public Utilities Board
Check against delivery.
Mr Khoo, ladies and gentlemen,
I would like to start by thanking you for your kind invitation. My visit to the Public Utilities Board, and indeed to Singapore, has been most interesting and enjoyable so far.
Singapore and the Netherlands are similar in a number of ways. Both are small, densely populated countries with an open outlook on the rest of the world. Both have always been trading nations. And water is a characteristic feature in both Singapore and the Netherlands.
But there are differences too, especially in regard to water. Singapore is an island with little scope for subterranean water storage. This is why you import part of your water supply. But you have also created a closed water cycle, integrating the used water system and the water chain. This makes the recycling of precious water possible and socially acceptable. In the Netherlands, water is not really a scarce resource. We get enough through the major river systems that we share with neighbouring countries. But we are interested in closing the water chain for the sake of sustainability. I am impressed by the innovative way in which you have tackled this problem.
And that brings me to another similarity between our countries: we both take an innovative approach to water issues, emphasising the public’s awareness and appreciation of water. Innovative solutions will become ever more important in the future, as the impact of climate change intensifies. That is why we have strengthened the relations between our water sectors. Dutch water engineers are working on the Marina Barrage project and some members of my delegation work together with Singaporean businesses and knowledge institutes in the area of water and delta technology, especially.
I am not the only one who wants to learn more about your innovative and integrated approach to the water chain and the water system. There is worldwide recognition for your achievements in this field. Last August you won the Stockholm Industry Water Award. Congratulations!
I am also impressed by your publicity campaigns, ‘Conserve, value, enjoy’ and ‘Active, beautiful and clean’. The first encourages consumers to save and recycle water. The second urges people, businesses and schools to become involved in the sustainable management of surface water. I hope to learn more about these campaigns during this visit, as water awareness and education are also among my political priorities.
Ladies and gentlemen,
I have of course heard of the plans to organise an annual Singapore Water Week. The Dutch water sector is very interested and we are considering taking part with a Dutch pavilion. Mr Lennart Silvis of the Netherlands Water Partnership has come to Singapore especially to discuss this.
All in all, we have plenty to talk about and plenty to share. Thank you again for inviting me here. I am looking forward to the rest of the programme.
Thank you.