Singapore & New Zealand Keep Trade Open To Help Each Other Fight Covid-19
As much as the government continues to assure us that supplies are aplenty, we know very well that our country relies heavily on imports.
Hence, news that New Zealand will be sending essential items to Singapore soon became the bright spot amidst the dark crisis.
Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing confirmed the deal in a post on Facebook yesterday (15 Apr).
The Ministry for Trade and Industry’s (MTI) press release includes a long list of items, but we’ll summarise what this means for you.
No trade restrictions on essential goods
Though Singapore and New Zealand are both under respective variations of movement control, this hasn’t denied us the opportunity to work together.
In accordance with the new Declaration on Trade in Essential Goods for Combating the COVID-19 Pandemic, flow of supplies between both countries will continue without trade barriers.
This means that on top of local and regional suppliers, Singapore will also be receiving items like fresh produce, medical necessities and even clothes from New Zealand.
These will start arriving from next week, which is really soon.
With essential supplies in good order, there truly won’t be a need to stock up items at supermarkets anymore.
Singapore & New Zealand welcome others to join
The deal is part of a Joint Ministerial Statement Singapore had made on 25 Mar with the following other countries:
- Australia
- Brunei Darussalam
- Canada
- Chile
- Lao PDR
- Myanmar
- Uruguay
In it, countries had agreed to ensure that supply chains remain open despite the Covid-19 pandemic that has sent many nations into lockdown.
Recognising that such diplomacy will help maintain welfare for all, Singapore welcomes more countries to pledge their commitment too.
Cooperating internationally to overcome the pandemic
Indeed, in trying times like these, helping one another is the best way to survive.
Let’s hope that Singapore’s strong bilateral ties with other nations will continue to serve us well, and help us prosper for years to come.
Featured image adapted from Facebook and Facebook.
