Singapore (VNA) - Singaporean Minister of Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan on October 14 emphasised the importance of advancing ASEAN–EU cooperation at the inaugural Europe Conference in Singapore.
The event was jointly organised by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and the European Chamber of Commerce Singapore (EuroCham).
With the theme “Sustainability and Innovation,” the forum drew the attendance of senior officials from Singapore and Europe, diplomatic representatives, and more than 300 delegates from various countries.
In his opening remarks, SBF Chairman Teo Siong Seng urged the development of a roadmap for inclusive and sustainable economic growth. He affirmed Singapore’s strategic role as a bridge between Asia and Europe and pledged to facilitate opportunities for businesses to engage more deeply.
Teo also highlighted Singapore’s deep understanding of ASEAN’s cultural diversity and reiterated its commitment to serve as a reliable gateway for European firms entering ASEAN and Asia.
In his address, Balakrishnan stressed that Europe and Southeast Asia can and must work together to build a better future. He focused on three main themes: trade and business, upholding a rules-based order, and opportunities in green economy and digital economy, especially in the context of Europe–Southeast Asia interaction.
He noted that the EU is already ASEAN’s third-largest trading partner and the two sides boast potential to deepen that partnership.
Balakrishnan projected that the ASEAN economy is likely to double over the next two decades. With a young population and a growing middle class, Southeast Asia represents a critical market for the EU.
He cited increasing connectivity through the ASEAN–EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement, signed in October 2022 when Singapore held the ASEAN Transport Work Group Chairmanship. Calling for trade liberalisation and deeper economic integration, Balakrishnan urged EU and ASEAN to intensify joint actions. He also proposed members of the CPTPP, including the UK, play a more active role in partnership and cooperation with the EU.
He added that the first ASEAN–EU Ministerial Dialogue on Environment and Climate Change was held last month in Malaysia, through which both blocs reaffirmed their commitments to the Paris Agreement and to stepping up cooperation to realise its goals.
On green and digital economy, the minister lauded the signing of the EU–Singapore Digital Trade Agreement in May 2025. This landmark bilateral agreement, the EU’s first such pact with an ASEAN country, will facilitate digital trade and cross-border innovation growth.
At the conference, Singaporean and international experts discussed Singapore’s role as a springboard for scaling innovation and forging transnational partnerships. They also emphasised the increasing importance of family businesses in cementing EU–Asia economic linkages.
Amid global uncertainties, participants underlined the urgency of cross-border cooperation and intersectoral partnerships to guide structural transformation in the global economy and strengthen long-term business resilience./.
