{
  "id": 6214172,
  "title": "Trade and investment can support jobs in both Singapore and the US, says DPM Gan",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/trade-and-investment-can-support-jobs-in-both-singapore-and-the-us",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-08T02:00:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times Business",
    "slug": "straits-times-business",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/business/trade-and-investment-can-support-jobs-in-both-singapore-and-the-us-says-dpm-gan"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong emphasized the mutual benefits of trade and investment between Singapore and the United States during the 2026 Regional Economic Conference. Since the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement took effect in 2004, bilateral trade has surged, positively impacting businesses and workers in both nations. Today, Singapore's investments in the US support approximately 350,000 American jobs, while the US maintains a significant trade surplus with Singapore, surpassing $33 billion in 2025.\n\nWith around 6,600 American companies operating in Singapore, the US is the Republic's largest investor, while Singapore is the third-largest Asian investor in the US. Over 250 Singapore firms are active across 45 US states, spanning various sectors such as logistics, agriculture, aerospace, and shipbuilding.\n\nGan highlighted that strengthening capabilities within the US and deepening engagement with trusted partners do not have to be opposing goals. In fact, American companies can thrive at home by accessing expanding markets abroad, leveraging dependable regional networks, and deploying their technologies efficiently. Strengthening US capabilities and fostering deeper ASEAN engagement can mutually reinforce each other's progress.\n\nDespite current US tariffs and the potential for further measures, Gan stressed that business decisions should not be clouded by uncertainty. By keeping communication channels open and collaborating, businesses can gain confidence and invest long-term. He noted that ASEAN, a crucial market for American businesses, is transitioning to higher-value activities like advanced manufacturing, digital infrastructure, energy, healthcare, financial services, and logistics. Singapore's trusted business environment, skilled workforce, and logistical and digital connections can significantly benefit companies operating across the region.\n\nIn 2027, Singapore will assume the chairmanship of ASEAN, which will enhance its role in coordinating relations with the US. The nation aims to integrate the ASEAN Single Window with the US to facilitate more efficient and secure electronic trade document exchanges. Additionally, Singapore will work on signing the Digital Economy Framework Agreement during the Leaders' Summit in November 2026, establishing common rules for digital trade, data flows, and cooperation in emerging technologies. By moving from frameworks to implementation, Singapore aims to promote AI for public good across the region and strengthen economic ties, build resilience, and create new opportunities for businesses and Singaporeans.",
  "summary": "The US has maintained a substantial trade surplus with Singapore for more than two decades.",
  "key_points": [
    "US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement since 2004 boosted bilateral trade",
    "Singapore's investments in US support ~350,000 American jobs",
    "US is Singapore's largest investor, Singapore 3rd-largest Asian investor in US"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Singapore and US economic ties are set to deepen with initiatives like the ASEAN Single Window and Digital Economy Framework Agreement, bolstering regional trade and investment opportunities for businesses.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}