- Bilateral trade rose nearly 50% since 2019 under EU-Singapore FTA.
- New cooperation in logistics, wind energy, and food security announced.
- Universities from both nations expand student exchange and research ties.
Singapore and Poland affirmed their long-standing relationship at a State Banquet hosted by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to the Polish President Andrzej Duda and First Lady Agata Kornhauser-Duda. A recent report by Singapore Business Review suggests that the occasion celebrated continuing political relationships but also initiated a new chapter of collaboration.
President Tharman referenced the significant beginnings of the collaborative partnership dating back to the late 1960s, and recognized the contribution of the pole architect Krystyn Olszewski. In 1971, Olszewski, chief planner of the key land use strategy for Singapore, played a pivotal role in helping to create the contemporary inner-city environment for the city-state, including the notable relocation of Changi Airport.
Notable discussions focused on the economic partnership, with emphasis that trade between both countries increased by nearly 50% since the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement entered into force in 2019.
President Tharman highlighted Poland's development, “one of Europe’s most vibrant logistics centers”, and Singapore's strategic role in the area, through PSA International's remarkable investment in Poland's DCT Gdańsk container terminal.
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The partnership is also opening new avenues in advanced manufacturing, offshore wind energy, and logistics, as Polish firms begin to see Singapore as a conduit to the Asia-Pacific region. In parallel, food security is being strengthened as Singapore allows the imports of Polish beef, poultry, and eggs into the country, thereby expanding offerings to its residents with both staple and specialty Polish products.
Beyond the economic and modernization frameworks, cultural and educational ties have also been accelerating. Leading universities in Singapore, including Nanyang Technological University, National University of Singapore and Singapore Management University, are working with six Polish bodies to reinforce educational relationships and student exchanges. The initiatives are intended to establish common engagements and cultivate the future leaders and innovators from both countries.
As Singapore and Poland look to the future, the commitment to working together, across the spectrum of economic, trade, and cultural fields, presents a bright future for both countries, based upon respect, historical relationships, and a common aspiration of positive forward global momentum.