Singapore, EU Have Common Grounds to Forge Deeper Links

Tan See Leng Sees Opportunities for Deeper Collaboration in Areas Such As Digital Trade

- Krist Boo

Singapore sees opportunities to deepen collaboration with the European Union, such as in digital trade and the green economy, Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng told guests at the European Chamber of Commerce Singapore's (EuroCham) annual general meeting.

Both Singapore and the EU have strong digital ecosystems, and are committed to achieving net-zero carbon neutrality by 2050, said Dr Tan, who is also Second Minister for Trade and Industry.

The groundwork is there, with the EU-Singapore Digital Trade Agreement signed in 2024.

The pact, the first bilateral digital economy agreement between the EU and an Asean country, provides greater certainty and clarity for Singapore businesses and citizens to engage in cross-border trade in the area, said Dr Tan.

He added that Singapore and the EU could find joint opportunities in green finance, standards, technology and innovation.

The event on April 22 at Jen Singapore Tanglin was attended by more than 100 members of the chamber, as well as the EU Ambassador to Singapore, Ms Iwona Piorko, and Mr Jens Rubbert, president of EuroCham.