TOKYO — A high-level committee has been set up to oversee cooperation and discussions on transport matters between Singapore and Japan, including the opportunities from the high-speed rail (HSR) project between Singapore and Malaysia.

The committee’s agenda will span land, air and sea transport issues. Addressing the media following a summit meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in Tokyo on Wednesday evening (Sept 28), Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that representatives from the relevant agencies of both countries will hold a meeting within the fiscal year to “enhance cooperation” on transport and infrastructure, including the HSR project.

“I strongly hope there will be progress in collaboration to introduce our Shinkansen bullet train to your country,” said Mr Abe, who spoke in Japanese.

Mr Lee, speaking after Mr Abe, said that the Republic would want the best technology for the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur HSR, and “Japan has some of the best technology in the world”.

“We are working with the Malaysian government to ensure a rigorous, competitive, high standard process for the tender, in order to get the best possible trains for our high-speed rail,” he said, adding that the Shinkansen’s “long record for safety, reliability and excellent will stand it in good stead”.

The HSR, projected for completion by 2026, is set to reduce travel time between Singapore and Malaysia to 90 minutes. Both governments will form a bilateral committee to manage aspects of the project which might impact cross-border services.

On air transport, Mr Lee said one key issue for discussion is expanding the air services agreement between Singapore and Japan.

“With the 2020 Olympics coming, this is a timely moment to increase capacity, not only between Singapore and Japan but also beyond to further destinations in both directions, to build up Singapore’s Changi and Tokyo’s Narita into hub airports,” said Mr Lee.

“This is an issue that has been under discussion for some time and Mr Abe and I agreed that we should accelerate the progress.”

On sea transport, one issue for discussion would be liquefied natural gas bunkering, Mr Lee said.