Antony J. Blinken 71st U.S. Secretary of State | Official Website
On May 10, 2024, the Governments of the United States of America and Singapore released a joint statement regarding their recent meetings. These meetings were held to review the implementation of Chapter 18 (Environment) of the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and to complete the eighth Biennial Review under the Memorandum of Intent between the United States of America and the Republic of Singapore on Cooperation in Environmental Matters (MOI). The MOI was negotiated concurrently with the United States-Singapore FTA Environment Chapter.
These meetings serve as an essential platform to enhance the longstanding bilateral relationship between the United States and Singapore. They also highlight a shared commitment to environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources. The Republic of Singapore delegation was led by Mr. Lim Teck Kiat, Deputy Secretary (Resilience), Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment. The United States delegation was co-led by Assistant United States Trade Representative for Environment and Natural Resources, Kelly Milton, and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Environment, Scott Ticknor, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, U.S. Department of State.
The Governments reviewed progress in implementing obligations under Chapter 18 of the FTA by exchanging information regarding recent actions each Party has taken to establish high levels of environmental protection; effectively enforce environmental laws and regulations; and provide opportunities for public participation with respect to implementing the Environment Chapter.
Additionally, they exchanged information on various topics including timber trade-related issues, innovation in recycling, marine litter management, circular economy initiatives, and solid waste management strategies.
During the Biennial Review, officials discussed accomplishments under the Eighth Plan of Action (POA) for implementing the MOI that covered 2022 through 2023. Activities carried out under this POA included collaboration on solid waste management and recycling efforts, green building standards development, training on climate change mitigation strategies and environmental sustainability under the U.S.-Singapore Third Country Training Program, and technical exchanges on water management. The Governments also discussed a new POA for 2024 through 2025, which sets out technical exchanges and activities related to environmental protection, innovative environmental technology usage, and pollution management techniques.
The Governments held a joint public session in line with relevant requirements in Chapter 18 of the FTA. This session included civil society and private sector representatives from both countries. Government officials updated the public about their respective efforts to implement Chapter 18 and strengthen environmental cooperation under the MOI. Public participants had the opportunity to engage directly with government officials by offering comments and asking questions about implementation of Chapter 18 of the FTA and the MOI.
