Singapore backs rules-based trade at APEC 2025 meeting

The government also cited initiatives to use AI and digital technologies to enhance trade facilitation.

Singapore has reaffirmed its commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system at the 2025 APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting held in Jeju, South Korea.

Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations Grace Fu led the Singapore delegation at the two-day summit, where trade ministers from 21 APEC economies gathered to discuss the theme “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper.”

At the meeting, Minister Fu emphasised Singapore’s strong support for the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the need to preserve and reform the global trading system.

She also cited Singapore’s initiatives using artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies to enhance trade facilitation, alongside efforts to integrate green solutions for long-term sustainable growth.

In a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings on the sidelines, Fu engaged with ASEAN counterparts, members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and parties to the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement, including China.

She also held discussions with ministers from Brunei, Chile, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, and the United States.

The APEC ministers jointly reaffirmed their commitment to the Putrajaya Vision 2040 and agreed to focus on three priority areas: strengthening connectivity through multilateral trade, driving AI-powered innovation, and advancing prosperity through sustainable trade.

They reiterated support for ongoing WTO reforms and recognized the role of Joint Statement Initiatives in addressing current trade challenges, particularly in areas like e-commerce and investment facilitation.

Ministers emphasised the need to close digital divides, promote safe and inclusive digital ecosystems, and harmonise legal frameworks to support paperless trade. They acknowledged AI’s growing role in enhancing trade systems, especially in customs and logistics, and called for greater information-sharing among economies.

Sustainability and inclusivity were key themes, with ministers pledging support for resilient food systems, sustainable supply chains, and environmental services trade.

They also reaffirmed the importance of empowering micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, women, and Indigenous communities to participate more fully in regional and global markets.