ASEAN, GERMANY AND FRANCE
This means we need to” strengthen our own neighbourhood”, Mr Wong said, referring to the , Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN ).
He highlighted the job done between ASEAN members in some areas, including , modern and efficient communication, a regional energy grid and transaction systems.
Yet as ASEAN , becomes “more dynamic and relevant”, it does link up with other provinces, Mr Wong said.
He noted that , Singapore has free trade agreements with South American blocs , Mercosur and Pacific Alliance, and that it is even connecting with , the Middle East and Africa.
” We want to then connect to all the different regional categories and make sure that, however, industry moves are being reconfigured, Singapore and ASEAN can still be at the beat of that reconfigured commerce moves, and we can continue to remain relevant”, said Mr Wong.
Singapore and Germany recently agreed to elevate their bilateral ties to a” strategic partnership”,  , while Singapore and France announced in April that they would  , work towards a” comprehensive strategic partnership”.
We want to become friends with all nations, both big and small, and Mr. Wong said,” We want to be associates with everyone, both big and small, and how far we can go in terms of cooperation with any particular land.” Of course, this will depend on the kind of assistance proposals that each state makes and the areas of common interest that they have, but we also want to work as closely with everyone.
He continued,” France and Germany are two important nations with a wide range of features, never really frontrunners in their own right but economic powerhouses.” Additionally, there are numerous businesses based in Singapore.
France and Germany both “look at engaging China in a logical way”, said the perfect minister.
” They look at China as a company, but they also want to chart their own course, distinct from America, in engaging China”, he said.
According to Mr. Wong, France and Germany want to “engage Southeast Asia even more,” which is crucial for Singapore because it wants the territory to be more open and inclusive and” can join all the major functions and powers, where we are not dominated by any single group,” in addition.
We believe that’s in our interests because we believe that doing so will lead to greater financial interdependence, lowering the risk of discord, and ensuring the region’s stability and prosperity.
In after this month, Mr. Wong announced his intention to travel to Thailand.
He also noted the upcoming , Singapore-Malaysia Leaders ‘ Retreat, adding that” there are significant concerns unilaterally that we want to get investment and hopefully make headway on”.
There is also the People’s Action Party ( PAP ) conference on Sunday.
Therefore, this will conclude the year’s engagements, but keeping in mind home priorities, whether it’s planning for a party conference or planning for the budget, have now begun and will begin to advance, said Mr. Wong.