SINGAPORE, Aug 27 — Singapore plans to use its Asean chairmanship next year to pursue stronger links between South-east Asia and Central Asia in areas such as transport, energy, connectivity and sustainable development.
The Straits Times reported Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong as saying this yesterday during a visit to Kazakhstan, where he received the country’s Order of Dostyk, or Friendship, of the First Class.
“As Asean Chair next year, Singapore looks forward to creating more opportunities for Asean to engage partners beyond our traditional networks,” Lee was quoted as saying.
The regional push coincided with two agreements aimed at expanding cooperation between Singapore and Kazakhstan in trade-route digitalisation and water management.
Under one agreement, the Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE) and Kazakhstan-based Middle Corridor Multimodal will explore the digital integration of the Middle Corridor, a trade route linking China and Europe through Central Asia.
Possible areas of collaboration include multimodal logistics, supply-chain management and trade documentation, with Singapore expected to share its experience in improving customs interoperability.
SCE chief executive Kong Wy Mun reportedly described the route as a “very strategic alternative” for moving goods, saying its volume was growing by about 30 per cent annually.
A separate agreement between SCE and Kazakhstan’s Water Resources and Irrigation Ministry will involve Singapore sharing expertise in water sustainability, flood management, water reclamation and digitalisation.
Kazakh officials are also expected to undergo training in Singapore as the country responds to climate-related pressures, including shrinking glaciers and declining water levels in the Caspian Sea.
Lee said Singapore could serve as a gateway to South-east Asia for Central Asian businesses, while Kazakhstan could help Singapore companies reach markets across Central Asia and the wider Eurasian region.
