Singapore, China plan to upgrade bilateral FTA

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has revealed that Singapore and China is considering the possibility of upgrading the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has revealed that Singaporeand China is considering the possibility of upgrading the bilateral FreeTrade Agreement (FTA).

Addressing the “FutureChina Global Forum” on July 21, Lee expressed his hope to secure anupgraded and more comprehensive version of the FTA as the existing pacthas been in place for many years and is due for an update.

Negotiations for the improved FTA will start later this year, Lee said.

The Singapore–China FTA covers goods and services, technical barriersto trade, customs procedures, economic cooperation and disputesettlements, among others.-VNA

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