EU Commissioner Thierry Breton and Singapore Minister-in-Charge of Trade Relations S Iswaran have agreed to accelerate steps toward a comprehensive and forward-thinking digital partnership between the EU and Singapore. The digital partnership aims to create an overarching framework for strengthening digital connectivity and interoperability of digital markets and policy frameworks, as well as to facilitate digital trade between the EU and Singapore. Secure and sustainable digital infrastructure, trusted data flows and data innovation, digital regulations, the development of digital skills for workers, and the digital transformation of businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and public services are some of the issues that may be addressed.
Furthermore, the digital alliance will pave the way for collaboration in new and emerging areas with transformative economic potential, such as 5G/6G, AI, and digital identities.
Commissioner Breton and Minister Iswaran stressed that the digital partnership should be a flexible structure that goes beyond dialogue and exchange of information to deliver concrete results. Ultimately, it should reinforce the people, business and trade links between the EU and Singapore and maximise the benefits of the digital economy for the communities. The digital partnership will also contribute to the development of a global architecture of interoperable standards at regional and multilateral settings and benefit workers and businesses engaging in digital trade and electronic commerce.
