Singapore keen to start exploratory talks on FTA with Turkey
Channel News Asia | 04 January 2013
Singapore keen to start exploratory talks on FTA with Turkey
By Dylan Loh
ANKARA: Singapore is keen to begin exploratory talks on a Free Trade Agreement with Turkey.
The issue will be brought up by Foreign Minister K Shanmugam, who is on a three-day official visit to Turkey.
Mr Shanmugam’s visit is the first by Singapore’s top diplomat to the nation in 26 years.
In a speech at an ambassadors’ conference, Mr Shanmugam said there will be tremendous opportunities for Turkey to tap into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
He said the regional bloc is on track to create an Economic Community by 2015, which will allow a single market with tremendous economic opportunities.
Commenting on US-China relations, Mr Shanmugam said ongoing regional territorial disputes could put the relationship at risk.
For Southeast Asian countries, he said building up the capability to negotiate around the risks will help work towards a bright future.
