Asia-Pacific infrastructure ministers affirm the importance of creating liveable communities

SINGAPORE - Mr Khaw Boon Wan, Minister for National Development, emphasised the importance of putting people at the heart of infrastructure development strategies and policies, and the opportunities for governments to work with and tap on the energy and ideas from the community.

He was speaking at the the 10th Ministers' Forum on Infrastructure Development in the Asia-Pacific Region that was held in conjunction with the World Cities Summit, Singapore International Water Week and the Clean Enviro Summit, said the Ministry Of National Development in a statement.

Mr Khaw hosted ministers and senior officials from countries in the Asia Pacific to share experiences and exchange best practices on building sustainable and highly liveable environments.

Delegates actively contributed their views and discussed ideas with one another. Sharing the experience of Singapore, Mr Desmond Lee, Minister of State for National Development, touched on the Singapore Government's plan to harness the potential of technology to transform Singapore into a Smart Nation to improve the lives of our people, adding that infrastructure ought to be the supportive hardware by which the heart-ware of communities and friendships are forged.

To affirm their commitment to sustainable development and the creation of liveable communities, the Ministers endorsed and adopted a Joint Declaration which outlined the areas for greater cooperation and collaboration between member countries.