Taking bilateral ties to a higher level
GERMANY and Singapore are working towards enhanced cooperation in economic relations, sustainability and digitalisation as further steps to broaden and deepen the already very strong bilateral ties that exist between the two countries.
“Both countries already enjoy a dense network of contacts and cooperation at all levels, in particular in the fields of trade, business cooperation and science. In a post-Covid world characterised by the growing impact of climate change on one side and supply chain disruptions on the other side, both countries face similar challenges with regard to keeping their economies globally competitive,” says Germany’s ambassador to Singapore Dr Norbert Riedel.
“Both countries are committed to transforming their economies in a digital and sustainably sound manner. We are determined to master those challenges together, to learn from each other, and to benefit from each other’s best practices,” he adds in an exclusive interview with The Business Times (BT) to mark the German national day, celebrated as the Day of German Unity on Oct 3 to commemorate the completion of German reunification in 1990.
It is against this background that the two ministries in charge have worked out a bilateral framework agreement, aiming to: identify priority areas and concrete projects for bilateral cooperation; keep all players involved focused on their cooperation; ensure consistency between government agencies and the private sector; and set up regular exchanges at the political level to provide guidance for the future, he says.
The plan is to sign the bilateral economic cooperation framework agreement on the sidelines of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business, which will be held in Singapore in November, the German envoy tells BT. The conference’s objective is to provide a platform to deepen the dialogue on current economic developments in Europe and Asia-Pacific, as well as to strengthen personal and economic ties.
As for the idea of a bilateral sustainability partnership, Dr Riedel says since climate change remains one of the most urgent global challenges, sustainability is high on the agenda both in Germany and Singapore. “In particular, we share the conviction that a problem of this size can only be tackled successfully if we all work together. This calls for coordinated action in international fora like the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change).”
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“Germany has therefore proposed a climate club for like-minded countries to progress at the global level. I hope that Singapore will join this effort. In addition, there is also a clear benefit to be reaped from bilateral cooperation, for example by sharing experience with different regulatory approaches towards waste management or energy, or development of sustainable technology,” the ambassador tells BT. “Many German companies and research institutions are already involved in sustainability-related projects in Singapore. A bilateral sustainability partnership could build on this wealth of existing endeavours and develop it further.”
The proposed agreement on the bilateral digital dialogue for enhancing bilateral cooperation will be the first of its kind for Germany. The German envoy says both countries have identified digital transformation of their respective economies and societies as a top political priority.
“While Singapore is approaching this challenge in a remarkably strategic manner including through digital economy agreements, Germany believes that it also has valuable experiences to share in that regard. The agreed bilateral dialogue is to facilitate exchange of respective challenges, best practices and lessons learned,” he adds. “Obviously the success in the digital transformation process will, among others, be characterised by the political and/or economic power to set standards. To do so one has to join forces. Yet another reason to talk, to keep in touch and to share experiences.”
The biannual Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business here on Nov 13-14 will be the biggest German networking event in the region as it welcomes several hundred participants. “One cannot underestimate how fortuitous it was that the organisers decided to relocate the conference to Singapore. But it is true that in no other place despite Covid still raging, could we have found such a perfect set of economic and political stability, top-notch infrastructure, and density of German business, combined in one country which is already our key economic partner in the region,” Dr Riedel says.
German Vice-Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck is co-chairing the conference, and the German envoy expects more very high-level attendance from his country. The conference will focus on two key issues: diversification and sustainability. Both these issues are also at the top of Singapore’s transformation agenda and obviously they provide scope for an intensified bilateral cooperation, he notes.
Ambassador Riedel shares that Germany is stepping up its engagement with Indo-Pacific as an economic region. “Having the conference in Singapore, which already is our key economic partner in the region, gives us the ideal opportunity to do so. The conference will be a booster for regional business, and the German government will make sure to back the conference with all political weight. Moreover, with in-person events back on the table, we aim to have more cultural events to bring people together. Overall, the coming 12 months will be a great time for personal encounters in all fields.”
Asked how Germany plans to make use of Singapore’s unique position in Asean, Dr Riedel points out that for more than 50 years Asean has been the backbone for peace and stability in the region. “In only a few years we can expect the Asean region to have advanced to the world’s fourth largest economic bloc. Political stability and economic dynamics – this is exactly why Germany has its eyes focused on this part of the world. And the key to all this lies in Singapore, our gateway to South-east Asia,” he says. “Singapore is the voice for stability and political dialogue. It has a unique hub position with vital connections in all directions. And it plays a vanguard role for innovative developments. This is why Singapore has by now attracted over 2,100 German businesses: To tap on the market potentials in the Asean region, one has to invest in Singapore.”
While German businesses already have a strong presence in Singapore, their interest is likely to be sustained going forward. Dr Riedel says that German companies are here for the endeavours of the future: innovation and sustainability.
“Just at the end of August, we saw the NRW Meets Singapore Pitch Event, when a delegation of six companies from the German Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) showcased their businesses, comprising innovative and sustainable solutions, kicking off a long-term partnership between NRW and Singapore,” he explains.
“Several German companies have launched or expanded their research and training cooperations during the past year: One notable example is SAP’s new research and development hub, which will open more than 500 jobs in Singapore.
“German company Hima has teamed up with NUS, while Schaeffler expanded its research hub with NTU. The clear profile in research, development and training shows us that German companies are aiming for long-term commitment, and I strongly believe our economic cooperation will go a long way,” the German envoy adds.
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