S’pore can facilitate more inclusive trade in Asean

Driving demand: The skyline of Singapore’s financial district and Marina Bay. Improving digital avenues that enable cross-border commerce to take place will better include poorer economies in international trade. — Reuters

SINGAPORE: Singapore has a role to play in helping South-East Asia’s poorer economies improve their participation in regional trade and is leading negotiations in two key agreements that will enhance trade in the digital realm.

In doing so, the city-state would stand to benefit from a more inclusive region, which can lead to further market expansion and increased demand for Singapore goods and services, Jose-Antonio Monteiro, coordinator of the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) 2024 World Trade Report, told The Straits Times.