On October 23, 2008, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Great Hall of the People. Both sides agreed to push China-Singapore relations to a higher level.

Wen said since the reform and opening up, China-Singapore cooperation has stood at the forefront in many areas, and achieved remarkable results and had positive influence. Both sides should promote the spirit of friendship, cooperation and innovation to inject new vitalities into the development of bilateral ties.

Wen hoped that both sides would give full play to the role of bilateral cooperation mechanisms and well implement and plan key cooperation projects. He called on both sides to earnestly carry out the China-Singapore free trade agreement (FTA), expand trade and investment and promote economic growth of the other side. Both sides should also enhance personnel exchanges and training to provide human resources guarantee for cooperation. He suggested both sides keep closer coordination in multilateral fields and push forward regional cooperation.

Wen pointed out that the development of China-Singapore relations proves that there will be no progress without exchanges and no cooperation or future without seeking mutual benefit and a win-win situation. China is ready to work with all other countries including Singapore to learn from each other and enhance cooperation for common development.

Lee Hsien Loong said Singapore-China relations are developing very well with cooperation and innovation as an important symbol of bilateral ties. The building of Singapore-China Eco-city has further expanded bilateral cooperation and the signing of the FTA was "a testimony of the strength of our relationship and reflects our intention to broaden mutually beneficial cooperation”, contributing to promoting bilateral economic and trade cooperation, he said.

Both sides also exchanged views on the international financial situation.

Following the talks, both sides signed a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) and a MOU on labor cooperation.

Prior to the talks, Wen Jiabao held a welcoming ceremony for Lee Hsien Loong’s visit. Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the China Association for Promoting Democracy Wang Zuoshu, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Minister of Commerce Chen Deming, and Chinese Ambassador to Singapore Zhang Xiaokang attended the welcoming ceremony.