Singapore, Canada discuss free trade, reaffirm 60 years of ties during PM Carney’s visit
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PM Lawrence Wong hosting his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney for breakfast at the Istana on Oct 29.
PHOTO: MDDI
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SINGAPORE – Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney celebrated 60 years of diplomatic relations between their countries during the latter’s visit to the Republic, while also reaffirming their commitment to free trade.
During breakfast at the Istana hosted by PM Wong on Oct 29, they discussed ways to strengthen economic and investment links, as well as further opportunities for collaboration in technology, energy and cyber security, said Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Both leaders highlighted their countries’ shared outlook on free trade and investments, as well as a commitment to multilateralism and international law.
In a Facebook post, PM Wong, who is also Finance Minister, said he had known Mr Carney from his previous roles and welcomed his first visit to Singapore as Prime Minister.
He welcomed Canada’s interest in strengthening economic cooperation with Asean and working on a free trade agreement with the South-east Asian regional group of countries.
“I was also glad PM Carney had the chance to connect with companies here, exploring trade and investment opportunities that will benefit both Canadians and Singaporeans,” he added.
Mr Carney, a former governor of Canada’s central bank, noted on Facebook that businesses in Singapore invested nearly C$8 billion (S$7.4 billion) in Canada in 2024, and expressed a desire to attract more investments.
Before his two-day working visit to Singapore on Oct 28 and 29, he was in Malaysia for the Asean summit. He will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in South Korea later this week.
