Singapore to chair CPTPP in 2022

Minister Gan Kim Yong served as a representative for Singapore at the meeting. 

In a news release, Singapore will take the role of Chair at the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) Commission for 2022.

Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Trade and Industry and the representative of Singapore for the meeting, stressed the need for CPTPP to address the challenges of a post-pandemic period.

“We must tap on agreements like the CPTPP to address the emerging trade and business challenges and capture opportunities of the post-pandemic era. These include the promotion of supply chain resilience, participation of small and medium enterprises in the global economy and enabling the growth of the digital economy," Gan said.

"It is important for CPTPP members to advance the implementation of the Agreement to realise its full benefits and to expand the CPTPP’s membership. By doing so, we can strengthen the premise of the CPTPP as a viable pathway towards the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific."

According to Gan, Singapore looks forward to working with members to leverage the CPTPP to facilitate regional economic recovery and advance cooperation in digital and green initiatives.

Other agreements made during the CPTPP meeting were the welcoming of Peru as a member and the establishment of a Committee on Electronic Commerce.

The meeting was held by Japan, which currently chairs the commission. It was attended by members from the 11 CPTPP economies.