Industry groups say ministers' statements confirm Singapore is open to trade, talent

They agree that it is crucial for Singapore to remain open to international talent, following minister's robust defence of free-trade agreements

Annabeth Leow

Published Wed, Jul 7, 2021 · 05:50 AM

Trade

Singapore

LOCAL professionals, managers and executives (PMEs) face several challenges from the entry of their foreign counterparts into the workforce, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung acknowledged in a speech on Tuesday.

However, referring to the misplaced blame on free-trade agreements (FTAs) for this problem, he defended the FTAs Singapore has signed, in particular the India-Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).