Singapore, New Zealand boost partnership with focus on supply chains, connectivity

SINGAPORE’S Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon announced on Monday (Apr 15) that the two countries will start negotiations on a trade agreement on essential supplies, aimed at minimising disruptions during crises.

This is part of an expansion to the Enhanced Partnership between both countries that will focus on supply chains and connectivity.

Before the latest pillar, the partnership agreement had five pillars: trade, climate change, security, technology, and people-to-people ties. The partnership was signed in 2019 with PM Lee and Jacinda Ardern, Luxon’s predecessor.

PM Lee said that as small states, Singapore and New Zealand share a deep understanding of the importance of maintaining supply-chain connectivity, especially in times of crisis. 

He recalled how the two countries supported each other in the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic, when borders were closed and supply chains disrupted. During that time, they formed an air freight partnership which brought 100 tonnes of food from New Zealand to Singapore, and essential medical supplies from Singapore to New Zealand.

The new pillar on supply chains and connectivity reflects the countries’ continuing commitment to keep supply chains connected in a volatile global environment, said PM Lee.

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Luxon added: “Supply-chain resilience is not just about times of crisis, and there are opportunities to expand commercial partnerships between Singaporean and New Zealand businesses and to provide investment through enhanced connectivity.”

The two countries also signed agreements on electronic invoicing, trading essential supplies and facilitating safe and efficient trade.

PM Lee said there is more the two countries can do together, and that he and Luxon agreed it was timely to elevate the Enhanced Partnership next year, which marks the 60th anniversary of the countries’ diplomatic relations.

“We will explore future-oriented initiatives in areas such as sustainable aviation, the green economy and supply chains,” he added.

PM Lee said he welcomed efforts by Luxon and his government to deepen New Zealand’s engagement with South-east Asia.

“New Zealand can contribute much to Asean’s integration in the digital and green economies,” he added, noting that New Zealand and Asean will commemorate 50 years of dialogue relations in 2025. THE STRAITS TIMES