Singapore to pursue deeper ties with EU as Asean chair

Singapore

THE time is right for Asean and the European Union (EU) to pursue greater region-to-region integration, said Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade) Lim Hng Kiang on Friday.

In his opening remarks at the 16th Asean Economic Ministers-European Union Trade Commissioner consultations, he said that as Asean chair this year, Singapore will seek to broaden and deepen the region's engagement with external partners - even as anti-trade sentiments rise around the world and as governments come under pressure over globalisation and free trade.