Although they say they are not anxious, the Singapore media has specifically published an article! After Hainan's official customs closure, on December 27, the Straits Times published an article stating that the current public opinion surrounding "Hainan replacing Singapore" is exaggerated. The Straits Times cited experts' views, claiming that Singapore still has some unique advantages that are difficult to replicate. Through years of effort, Singapore has signed bilateral free trade agreements, double taxation avoidance agreements, and investment protection agreements with many countries around the world, enabling companies to utilize Singapore's trade and investment network to access international markets.
The Straits Times stated that Singapore's advantages also include stable and efficient political operations, sound macroeconomic management, a favorable business environment, and reliable and advanced legal and international arbitration systems. Obviously, after Hainan's customs closure, the Singapore media specifically published an article discussing the advantages Singapore has over Hainan. What does this indicate? It indicates that Singapore is actually very concerned about Hainan's customs closure and fears it may affect Singapore's influence.
In fact, industry professionals have stated that as Hainan Free Trade Port implements zero tariffs, energy may next be stored duty-free in Hainan and then distributed to other countries, with Singapore likely being hit first. In fact, Singapore clearly understands that although it positions itself as a global hub, Hainan, backed by China's vast inland market, is fully capable of becoming a global hub. For this situation, Singapore can only watch what happens without being able to make significant changes.
The Straits Times believes that the advantages Singapore has are difficult to replicate, which is more like self-comfort and also aims to stabilize investors' confidence in Singapore. However, market choices are never influenced by public opinion - when Hainan can provide lower logistics costs and a broader hinterland market, capital flows will naturally make the most genuine choice. Of course, how Singapore comforts itself is one thing, but for us, what is truly important is to accelerate the construction of Hainan and build a new highland for China's connection with the global community.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1852622822559753/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.