The Singapore Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China (SingCham) is a non-profit organization established with the strong support of the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore to People's Republic of China and International Enterprise Singapore (formerly Singapore Trade Development Board). The formation of SingCham was approved by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of PRC MOFTEC (Currently Ministry of Commerce of PRC - MOFCOM) on 22 Aug 2001, at the recommendation of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). Following the final endorsement by the State Council, it was registered on 25 December 2001 with The Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA). SingCham is the 15th foreign chamber officially approved in China and the first formally approved chamber from Southeast Asia. One of the key objectives of SingCham is to promote Singapore's interest as well as expand economic relations between Singapore and China. SingCham also aims to facilitate business and economic exchanges between its members and the relevant Chinese authorities, enterprises and institutions, and amongst Singapore firms with business interests in China. Another key objective is to promote understanding and friendly relationship between its members and the various Chinese or other relevant bodies. SingCham also strives to provide a forum for the expressions of opinions and the exchanges of business-related information and other matters. Last but not least, SingCham would also like to advance and promote technological, professional, commercial and technical education and facilitate such exchange with the Chinese institutions, enterprises, business chambers and other relevant bodies sharing similar objectives and interests.