At the Government-to-Government level, Singapore and China have committed to sharing expertise and experience in various areas such as urban planning, environmental protection, resource conservation, water and waste management and sustainable development, as well as in policies and programmes to engender social harmony in the Eco-city.
A Joint Steering Council co-chaired at the Deputy Prime Minister-Vice Premier level charts the strategic directions of the project. A Joint Working Committee, co-chaired by Singapore’s Minister for National Development and China’s Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, and comprising senior representatives from agencies involved in the project, oversees the implementation of the project and the achievement of its key milestones.
At the private sector-level, the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City Investment and Development Co., Ltd. is formed by a Singapore Consortium and a Chinese Consortium, each with a 50% stake in the joint venture company. It is the master developer for the project. The company also takes on economic promotion of the Eco-city. The undertaking of the project by the private sector helps to ensure its commercial viability and enhance its scope for replication. The Keppel Group leads the Singapore Consortium, while the Chinese Consortium is led by Tianjin TEDA Investment Holding Co., Ltd.
Environmental Protection
Eco-initiatives in the Eco-city include rehabilitating a 2.6 km² wastewater pond, conducting research in green development, developing green building standards and constructing green buildings, tapping renewable energy sources (wind, solar and geothermal energies), encouraging residents to lead environmentally-conscious lifestyles, and promoting green transport.
Social Development
The Eco-city has adopted an Eco-Cell concept, similar to Singapore’s township planning, to ensure provision of public social amenities within walking distance of residential estates. There are currently three Community Centres, drawing reference from Singapore’s integrated Community Clubs, to provide common spaces for residents and to promote community bonding. There are also 21 Residents’ Centres, 10 schools and 13 kindergartens, public parks linked by park connectors, and a 350-bed Tianjin Medical University Sino-Singapore Eco-city Hospital.
Economic Development
The number of companies registered in the Eco-city grew from 2,200 in 2014 to more than 23,000 in 2023. These companies are in businesses in areas such as culture and creativity, information technology, energy conservation and environmental protection, research and development, and modern services.