BEIJING: The landmark China-Singapore free trade agreement (FTA) is a sign of the mainland's commitment to greater openness with its partners despite the current difficulties in global trade talks, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Mr Lee, who arrived in Beijing yesterday for an official five-day visit, remarked in an interview with the mainland media before his trip that the agreement had 'broader implications' and signalled where Beijing was headed with its trade policies.

'For China, it is a signal that despite the difficulties in the Doha Round, China still wishes to push forward with promoting trade and openness with its partners,' said Mr Lee, according to a transcript of the interview released to the Singapore media yesterday.

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