On April 15, 2024, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced the initiation of negotiations for a trade agreement concerning essential supplies, aimed at minimizing disruptions during crises. This announcement marks an expansion of the Enhanced Partnership between the two nations, which will prioritize supply chain resilience and connectivity.

Previously, the partnership encompassed five key pillars: trade, climate change, security, technology, and people-to-people connections. This agreement, established in 2019 during the tenure of former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, now adds a critical focus on ensuring supply chain integrity during times of global volatility.

During the press conference, PM Lee emphasized the shared experiences of Singapore and New Zealand as small states that deeply understand the necessity of maintaining robust supply chain connections, especially in crises. He recounted how the two nations supported one another during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, forming an air freight partnership that facilitated the transfer of 100 tonnes of food from New Zealand to Singapore and essential medical supplies in the opposite direction.

Luxon highlighted that supply chain resilience extends beyond crisis periods, providing an opportunity for enhanced commercial partnerships between businesses in both countries, alongside investments facilitated through improved connectivity.

In addition to the trade agreement discussions, Singapore and New Zealand signed several agreements related to electronic invoicing, the trading of essential supplies, and the promotion of safe and efficient trade practices. Both leaders expressed optimism regarding future collaborations, with plans to elevate the Enhanced Partnership in 2025, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

PM Lee further noted the potential for future initiatives in sustainable aviation, the green economy, and continued cooperation on supply chain management. He welcomed Luxon’s efforts to deepen New Zealand’s engagement with Southeast Asia, recognizing the significant contributions New Zealand can make towards ASEAN’s integration in digital and green economies, particularly as both regions celebrate 50 years of dialogue relations in 2025.