Singapore plans to use its 2027 ASEAN chairmanship to strengthen Southeast Asia-Central Asia cooperation in transport, connectivity, energy and sustainable development while promoting trade-route digitalisation and economic links.
Singapore plans to use its 2027 ASEAN chairmanship to deepen engagement between Southeast Asia and Central Asia, expanding cooperation beyond ASEAN's traditional partnerships. The focus is expected to include transport, connectivity, energy and sustainable development, with Singapore positioning itself as a bridge between the two regions.
Singapore Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong outlines the approach during his visit to Kazakhstan, where he receives the Order of Dostyk, First Class, from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Lee says Singapore will look for opportunities for ASEAN to engage partners beyond its established networks when it assumes the chairmanship next year.
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The proposed regional engagement coincides with two agreements between Singapore and Kazakhstan covering trade-route digitalisation and water management. One agreement involves the Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE) and Kazakhstan-based Middle Corridor Multimodal exploring the digital integration of the Middle Corridor, which connects China and Europe through Central Asia.
Potential cooperation under the initiative includes multimodal logistics, supply-chain management and trade documentation. Singapore is expected to contribute expertise in areas such as customs interoperability, helping improve the efficiency and transparency of cross-border trade along the route.
The Middle Corridor is gaining importance as businesses and governments seek alternative routes for transporting goods between Asia and Europe. Greater digital integration and streamlined customs procedures can help reduce logistical barriers, improve supply-chain efficiency and strengthen connectivity between Central Asian and international markets.
The second agreement focuses on water management and sustainability. Under the arrangement, Singapore will share expertise with Kazakhstan in water sustainability, flood management, water reclamation and digitalisation. Kazakh officials are also expected to receive training in Singapore as the country addresses growing climate-related pressures.
Water security is becoming increasingly important for Kazakhstan amid environmental challenges, including shrinking glaciers and declining water levels in the Caspian Sea. Cooperation with Singapore provides an opportunity to apply the city-state's experience in water management and technology to address these challenges.
The broader ASEAN-Central Asia initiative also reflects Singapore's objective of strengthening economic connectivity and external partnerships. Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has identified deeper integration and stronger external partnerships as key opportunities during its 2027 ASEAN chairmanship, which coincides with ASEAN's 60th anniversary.
Singapore also sees potential for two-way market access. Lee says Singapore can function as a gateway to Southeast Asia for Central Asian businesses, while Kazakhstan can provide Singaporean companies with access to markets across Central Asia and the wider Eurasian region.
The initiative comes as Singapore prepares to take over the ASEAN chairmanship from the Philippines. During the transition, Singapore has emphasised the importance of ASEAN centrality, regional resilience and economic integration, while seeking to keep the region open to wider international partnerships.
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By strengthening connections with Central Asia, Singapore aims to broaden ASEAN's economic and strategic networks while creating practical opportunities in logistics, energy, sustainability and trade. The approach could also help connect two regions with growing economic potential and complementary capabilities.
Overall, Singapore's 2027 chairmanship is expected to provide a platform for closer ASEAN-Central Asia cooperation, with transport connectivity, digital trade infrastructure, energy and sustainable development emerging as key areas for collaboration.