The Republic of Singapore is planning to open a consulate office in Batam, Riau Island province, on December 1, 2008, a Singapore minister said, according to Antara . The opening of the consulate office is expected to further increase the two countries` relations in the fields of trade, health, tourism, people and administrations, Singapore Senior Minister for Foreign Affairs Balaji Sadasivan said here. The minister made the remarks during a celebration held here in connection with Singapore`s 42nd anniversary.