9-4-2024 (BERLIN) Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has revealed a burgeoning interest among German companies to expand their operations into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, utilising Singapore as a key gateway. This announcement came following a series of meetings with prominent leaders of the German industry during his visit to Germany.
During a dinner held on April 8 as part of his visit, DPM Wong engaged with several key figures from the German business sector. In a Facebook post on April 9, he highlighted the significant presence of over 2,300 German companies already established in Singapore, expressing eagerness to further strengthen bilateral ties. “We welcome the growing German presence and look forward to doing more together as partners,” remarked DPM Wong.
In addition to these business engagements, DPM Wong also held discussions with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin on April 8. Reflecting on their meeting, DPM Wong underscored the shared commitment between Singapore and Germany towards bolstering multilateralism and upholding a rules-based world order.
Scheduled for April 9, DPM Wong’s itinerary includes meetings with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Finance Minister Christian Lindner, and a luncheon with Vice-Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck. He is also slated to attend a reception with overseas Singaporeans residing in Berlin.
This visit marks DPM Wong’s inaugural official trip to Europe in his current capacity. His stay in Berlin spans from April 8 to 10, following which he will proceed to France from April 10 to 13. These visits are intended to further strengthen Singapore’s enduring and multifaceted relations with both countries.
In recent years, German leaders have reciprocated these visits, with Dr Steinmeier conducting a state visit to Singapore in 2017, followed by a working visit in June 2022. Likewise, Mr Scholz embarked on an official visit to Singapore in November 2022, during which he and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong issued a Joint Declaration titled “Partners for a Resilient and Sustainable Future.”
Germany holds the distinction of being Singapore’s largest trading partner within the European Union, with total bilateral trade in goods and services surpassing $37 billion in 2023. Both nations are actively deepening collaboration across various sectors, including the green and digital economies, clean and renewable energy, sustainability, and cybersecurity.
