Singapore to focus on e-commerce, digital economy when it takes over Asean chair

Singapore

SINGAPORE will focus on e-commerce and the digital economy as well as improve trade facilitation in the region when it takes over the Asean chairmanship in 2018. Among other things, the Republic is looking to achieve a single window for Customs clearance.

Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade) Lim Hng Kiang said this at the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Singapore launch of 2018 Asean Business Outlook Survey on Tuesday.

In his speech, Mr Lim said: "Singapore will work with the Asean member states to streamline regional trade rules governing e-commerce to promote greater digital connectivity, and help companies more easily access new markets and overseas customers. In this regard, the US-Asean Connect initiative will both complement and reinforce our integration efforts in the digital age." US-Asean Connect is a…