Commissioner Šefčovič in Singapore and Japan to strengthen trade and economic relations
European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič will visit Singapore and Japan from 7 to 9 May, to further strengthen trade and economic relations with two key partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
Tomorrow, Commissioner Šefčovič will travel to Singapore to sign, together with Minister Grace Fu, Singapore Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations, the EU-Singapore Digital Trade Agreement - the first of its kind for the EU. He will also meet Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong to discuss ways to further grow the EU-Singapore partnership, including by exploring prospects of enhanced cooperation between the EU and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. His visit will conclude with a meeting with business representatives, including from the European Chamber of Commerce Singapore and the EU-ASEAN Business Council.
On Thursday 8 May, the Commissioner will be in Japan to co-chair the 6th EU-Japan High-Level Trade and Economic Dialogue, together with Minister of Foreign Affairs Takeshi Iwaya and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yoji Muto. The Commissioner will also meet Minister for Economic Security, Minoru Kiuchi, and other officials as well as business representatives.
Finally, on Friday 9 May, he will be in Osaka to lead the special Europe Day celebrations at EXPO 2025. He will visit the EU Pavilion and engage with representatives of EU Member States and other stakeholders.
These visits reflect the EU's commitment to further strengthening the already close relations with the partners in the Indo-Pacific region and promote the rules-based trading order. In an increasingly complex global landscape, Commissioner Šefčovič's visits to Singapore and Japan underline the EU's continuous efforts to build strong, reliable and mutually beneficial partnerships for the benefit of both EU consumers and businesses.
