Singapore-NZ partnership adds 'supply chains' focus

The partnership now has six pillars of collaboration.

Singapore and New Zealand are boosting their partnership to include negotiations on connecting supply chains. 

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced this in a joint press conference with his counterpart Christopher Luxon. 

Lee said the new pillar, “Supply Chains and Connectivity,” reflects their commitment to keeping supply chains connected in a volatile global environment.

Before this, the enhanced partnership between Singapore and New Zealand had five pillars, namely trade and economics, security and defence, science, technology and innovation, people-to-people links, and climate change and green economy.

“As small states, Singapore and New Zealand share a deep understanding of the importance of maintaining supply chain connectivity, especially in times of crisis,” Lee said.

In the early months of the pandemic, the two economies formed an air freight partnership which brought 100 tonnes of food from New Zealand to Singapore and essential medical supplies from Singapore to New Zealand.

“We agreed to begin formal negotiations on an Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies to facilitate trade in essential items and minimise disruptions during crises,” Lee said. 

The leaders also signed two memorandums of understanding on electronic invoicing and trade facilitation, which will boost trade links and strengthen cooperation under the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement.