16 Apr 2020
Singapore and New Zealand jointly announced the launch of a Declaration on Trade in Essential Goods for Combating the COVID-19 Pandemic today (15 April).
The Declaration (167.71KB), which was launched by Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing and New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Export Growth David Parker, builds on the Joint Ministerial Statement on Supply Chain Connectivity which was originally issued by New Zealand and Singapore last month. Seven other countries – Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Laos, Myanmar and Uruguay -- have since pledged their commitment to that Joint Ministerial Statement to ensure supply chain connectivity amidst the COVID-19 situation.
With this Declaration, Singapore and New Zealand have committed not to impose tariffs and other trade barriers including export restrictions. We hope that the Declaration will have a positive demonstrative effect and boost efforts to ensure that trade continues to flow unimpeded for a list of essential supplies. Both countries will also work closely together to expedite and facilitate the flow and transit of these products through our respective sea and air ports.