Asean key to Singapore's future amid US-China tensions, say economists

Singapore

THE Asean market is crucial for Singapore's future growth, not least against the backdrop of United States-China trade tensions, said panellists at the 11th Singapore Economic Policy Forum on Thursday.

Singapore's long-term growth story has been one of slowing growth and rising volatility, said Nanyang Technological University (NTU) professor of economics Tan Kong Yam. Trade tensions might increase turbulence, but Asean and Singapore could benefit from this, he added, as manufacturers consider moving capacity out of China and into South-east Asia.