Posted by BEN BEAUMONT – Singapore’s ambassador to the United States Chan Heng Chee spoke today about the economic crisis, its affect on Asia and a possible changing of the global economic order once the crisis ends.
Ambassador Chan said the U.S. economy will have to lead the way in a global recovery and cautioned against trade protectionism, which she says would slow that recovery. CLICK HERE for coverage of the speech from the Associated Press.
She applauded President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for putting a strong emphasis on Asian relations and said she hopes that attention continues. Video of her speech will be posted soon at www.clintonschoolspeakers.com.
Singapore, like other parts of Asia, has suffered during the economic crisis. Economic growth there has contract by 10 percent this year, she said.
Named Singapore’s ambassador to the United States in 1996, Chan helped orchestrate the 2003 U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, the first such agreement between America and an East Asian Country. Free trade “is a win-win situation that benefits both countries,” she said.
Prior to becoming ambassador, she served as Singapore’s permanent representative to the United Nations and was the high commissioner to Canada and ambassador to Mexico.
Ambassador Chan Heng Chee speaks at the Clinton School.