Singapore has plans to develop e-commerce and regional digital economies of Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries as the Republic gears up to take the chairmanship next year.
Speaking at the ASEAN Conference 2017, Lim Hng Kiang, Trade and Industry (Trade) Minister, said, “There is interest among member states in developing their e-commerce capabilities to tap on emerging opportunities.”
He added, “Going forward, we will look into streamlining regional trade rules governing e-commerce that will promote greater digital connectivity in the region and lower operating barriers to entry. We will also ensure that these are incorporated into our current regime and new trade agreements.”
While stressing on improving trade facilitation with the member countries of ASEAN, the Minister observed, “We also hope to focus on improving trade facilitation measures to support the internationalisation plans, including for SMEs. We intend to work closely with other ASEAN Member States towards the realisation of an ASEAN-wide self-certification regime and the ASEAN Single Window (ASW).”
He added, “The ASEAN-wide self-certification regime will allow authorised exporters to self certify that their goods meet ASEAN’s requirements for preferential treatment, while the ASEAN Single Window will expedite customs clearance via the electronic exchange of information across borders. This will facilitate seamless movement of goods within ASEAN, allowing businesses to enjoy lower administrative and time-to-market costs.”
