Vice Foreign Minister Ger attends 60th Singapore National Day reception

2025/08/21

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Baushuan Ger attended a reception celebrating the 60th Singapore National Day, Aug. 18 in Taipei City, underscoring the government’s commitment to two-way ties.
 
Speaking at the event, Ger congratulated Singapore on the successful completion of May’s general election. He added that he believes the two sides will continue deepening partnerships under Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
 
According to the vice minister, Taiwan is Singapore’s 4th largest trading partner, and Singapore is Taiwan’s 6th largest. The partners have enjoyed fruitful cooperation from the 2013 Agreement between Singapore and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu on Economic Partnership (ASTEP), Ger said, adding that bilateral trade volume reached a record high of US$43.4 billion last year.
 
Ger looked forward to integrating mutual resources and expanding collaboration in all sectors through Taiwan’s integrated diplomacy policy which leverages cultural, economic and other resources as diplomatic tools.
 
Yip Wei Kiat, trade representative of the Singapore Trade Office in Taipei, said that Singapore is one of the first countries to sign a double taxation avoidance agreement with Taiwan. He added that negotiations are underway on update and renewal of the agreement, and invited participants to join a traditional Singapore Yum Seng toast.
 
Singapore is an important New Southbound Policy target country and the two partners enjoy close exchanges in culture, education, tourism and trade, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The ministry is committed to strengthening the relationship with Singapore while jointly advancing regional peace, prosperity and stability, it added.


Source:  Taiwan Today (https://taiwantoday.tw/index.php)