Singapore's free trade agreements: Making pacts - and the making of a sound economy

The story of Singapore's free trade agreement journey spans two decades. Insight looks at the give and take behind them, and how they stack up for Singapore

Ms Ng Bee Kim, director-general of trade at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, says trade defines Singapore's chances of success.
Ms Ng Bee Kim, director-general of trade at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, says trade defines Singapore's chances of success. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY
Grace Ho
Senior Political Correspondent
Updated
Sep 09, 2020, 11:45 AM
Published
Dec 08, 2019, 05:00 AM
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In 2001, Ms Ng Bee Kim had the heavyweight task of delivering Singapore's free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Free Trade Association in a few short months.

But there was another delivery she was involved with that year - her second baby.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on December 08, 2019, with the headline Singapore's free trade agreements: Making pacts - and the making of a sound economy. Subscribe

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