Joint Statement on the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Environment Chapter MeetingUSTR

Singapore – Singapore Deputy Secretary (Policy) at the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources Ms. Amy Hing and Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Environment and Natural Resources Ms. Jennifer Prescott met in Singapore on October 4, 2017 to co-chair a meeting to review the implementation of the Environment chapter of the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, which entered into force on January 1, 2004.

This senior-level bilateral meeting serves as an important opportunity to enhance and continue the robust and longstanding bilateral relationship and strategic partnership between the United States and Singapore, and highlights a shared commitment to environmental protection through free and fair trade. The co-chairs provided overviews of progress since their last meeting in 2015 and outlined their respective priorities and future plans.

Discussions focused primarily on enforcement of environmental laws, particularly to combat wildlife and timber trafficking in the region, recognizing Singapore’s efforts in combatting the illegal trade in wildlife. Both sides affirmed a commitment to fostering close bilateral and international cooperation on enforcement efforts. Additionally, the parties discussed issues such as those related to conservation and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) enforcement, as well as exchanging views on environmental laws and utilizing environmental technology.

Both sides affirmed their common interests in advancing trade and environmental priorities under the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Both sides shared ideas to manage challenges facing the region including environmental management, water management, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and wildlife trafficking.  Both sides also looked forward to continued engagement in the years ahead.

Following the closed meeting, a public session with the environmental and business community was held to exchange views related to the implementation of the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Environment Chapter.