Singapore and China to launch 'fast lane' for essential travel in early June

SINGAPORE and China have agreed to implement a "fast lane" arrangement in early June to enable essential travel for business and official purposes between both countries, the city-state's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) announced on Friday. 

The arrangement will first apply to travel between Singapore and six Chinese provinces or municipalities: Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing, Guangdong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang. It will be gradually expanded to other parts of China. 

Singapore and China have agreed to explore the increase of air links for the fast-lane arrangement, MFA said. Both countries have also agreed to beef up the efficiency of freight linkages and customs clearance to facilitate the flow of goods such as essential medical supplies and food.

In addition, Singapore welcomed China to be party to the joint ministerial statement the city-state has inked with six other countries to affirm their commitment to ensure supply-chain connectivity amid the Covid-19 pandemic. 

"Both sides expressed appreciation for the mutual support and assistance rendered over the course of the pandemic, including to the nationals residing in each other's countries during this period," MFA added in the statement.