At the inaugural Europe Conference organised by SBF and EuroCham, Singapore highlighted the need for deeper cooperation between Europe and Southeast Asia in trade, multilateralism, and emerging green and digital economies
Singapore reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Europe during the inaugural Europe Conference, held in Singapore and jointly organised by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and EuroCham. The conference brought together policymakers, diplomats, and business leaders to explore ways to deepen collaboration between Europe and Southeast Asia amid growing global uncertainty.
Speaking at the event, a Singapore government representative expressed appreciation to SBF and EuroCham for hosting the dialogue, noting that the relationship between Europe and Southeast Asia is grounded in centuries of historical, commercial, and cultural ties. He reflected on Europe’s long-standing influence in the region and how lessons from Europe’s journey—from post-war devastation to unity—could guide future global partnerships.
The address underscored three key areas for collaboration: trade and commerce, upholding a rules-based world order, and advancing the green and digital economies. The speaker noted that the EU is Singapore’s second-largest source of foreign direct investment, with over 14,000 European companies based in Singapore, and that the EU–Singapore Free Trade Agreement (EUSFTA) has significantly boosted bilateral trade since 2019.
On global governance, the address reaffirmed the shared commitment to multilateralism and a rules-based international order, highlighting joint efforts such as the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement) and the ASEAN–EU Ministerial Dialogue on Environment and Climate Change.
Looking ahead, the speaker cited the EU–Singapore Digital Trade Agreement as a pathfinder for digital collaboration, alongside successful examples such as Siemens’ partnership with Singapore’s Artisan Green, which combines innovation and sustainability. He urged both regions to embrace these opportunities with trust and collaboration, concluding powerfully:
“Let’s catch the winds and take advantage of all the opportunities; work together, work with governments, with business associations, and more importantly, at the people-to-people level, because without meeting face to face, shaking hands, looking into each other’s eyes, you can’t build that essential element of trust.”.
Source: MFA Singapore
