Singapore and New Zealand have strengthened their bilateral collaboration by signing two partnerships to accelerate innovation in trade, food and technology.
New Zealand Prime Minister Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern and New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Export Growth, Hon Damien O’Connor, attended the partnership signings as part of the trade mission they are leading to Singapore and Japan this week.
One key agreement that was signed was the Enhanced Partnership for Growth Arrangement between New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and Enterprise Singapore (Enterprise SG), which reaffirms the commitment by both countries to strengthen bilateral trade and investment.
The agreement seeks to further advance collaboration between both countries, encouraging business leaders to share expertise and knowledge in order to develop networks in both markets. It will focus on deepening business alliances in areas of common interest, including trade and connectivity, and emerging technology.
Additionally, Singapore Institute of Technology signed a collaboration agreement with The FoodBowl, a New Zealand government-supported food innovation network, to develop sustainable food innovations that benefit people and the planet.
New Zealand Trade Commissioner to Singapore, Maggie Christie, said both agreements cemented the strategic importance of Singapore and New Zealand’s business networks, as well as the shared values of both countries.
“It’s been wonderful for New Zealand and Singapore companies to be able to reconnect in person and reaffirm our partnerships over the course of the mission. We are both small island nations that are focused on sustainability, food security and future-proofing our trade, and both countries have incredibly passionate and talented people who are working together to make that happen,” Christie said.
This first trade mission is an important milestone for the New Zealand Government’s Trade Recovery Strategy as it looks to accelerate the country’s strong economic recovery by reconnecting to the world, with Singapore recognised as one of its closest and most important strategic economic partners.
Business leaders joining the trade mission span dairy, food and beverage, healthcare, aviation, tourism, supply chain and energy, and represent New Zealand’s commitment to sustainable growth and innovation in South East Asia.
