Singapore and Thailand are charting a forward-looking partnership, focusing on the green economy, food security, and digital connectivity.
BANGKOK, Thailand — Singapore and Thailand are poised to deepen their collaboration in critical areas such as the green economy, food security, and the digital economy. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, during his first official visit to Thailand since assuming office in May, emphasized the importance of building on the nations’ close ties to address global challenges and unlock opportunities for their people.
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
The visit marks PM Wong’s fifth introductory trip to a Southeast Asian country, following stops in Brunei, Malaysia, Laos, and Indonesia. It also signifies a significant step in Singapore-Thailand relations, as PM Wong is the first foreign leader to visit Thailand since Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s appointment.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Speaking at a joint press conference in Bangkok on Thursday, PM Wong underscored the importance of both bilateral and regional collaboration. “We are not only strengthening our bilateral ties but also working together as part of ASEAN,” he said, highlighting partnerships in energy resilience and digital economy advancements.
PM Wong extended an invitation to PM Paetongtarn and her husband to visit Singapore in 2025, as the two nations commemorate the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
“We have a strong and substantive relationship, rooted in trade, investment, defense cooperation, and digital finance initiatives,” said PM Wong.
Green Economy, Carbon Credits, and Food Security
The green economy emerged as a key area of focus for the two nations. PM Wong expressed Singapore’s eagerness to collaborate with Thailand on carbon credit initiatives, particularly as Thailand increases its production of green power, including hydrogen and biofuels.
“We can work towards an implementation agreement on carbon credits collaboration, opening new opportunities for our companies,” he said.
PM Paetongtarn emphasized the importance of partnerships in renewable energy and bio-based industries, noting that these efforts align with the carbon neutrality and net-zero emission commitments of both countries.
Food security was another priority, with PM Wong highlighting Singapore’s heavy reliance on food imports. He acknowledged PM Paetongtarn’s focus on food security, a topic they discussed at the ASEAN Summit in Laos.
“This is important for Singapore as we continually look to enhance our food security,” PM Wong said, adding that the two nations would explore ways to strengthen collaboration in this area.
PM Paetongtarn noted Thailand’s eagerness to support Singapore’s food security by increasing exports of premium rice and organic eggs.
ASEAN Integration and Energy Resilience
Beyond bilateral initiatives, both countries view ASEAN as a dynamic hub for economic growth. With Thailand chairing the ASEAN digital economy framework agreement, the region is poised to accelerate digital integration.
Singapore has expressed strong support for these efforts, recognizing the potential of initiatives such as cross-border digital payment systems and enhanced connectivity between stock exchanges.
“ASEAN has tremendous potential to be a key center of economic growth, but to maximize this potential, we need to strengthen economic integration,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to Thailand for its leadership in the ASEAN digital economy framework agreement and voiced support for its efforts.
As Singapore and Thailand prepare to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic ties in 2025, PM Wong emphasized the importance of showcasing progress across food security, energy, and digital connectivity.
“This milestone will be a timely occasion to celebrate our achievements and explore new ways to bring even greater benefits to our people,” he said.
With a shared commitment to addressing pressing global issues, the collaboration between Singapore and Thailand continues to exemplify the potential of regional partnerships in driving sustainable growth and resilience.
Lead image courtesy of Athit Perawongmetha | Credit: REUTERS
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