Singapore’s Minister-in-Charge of Trade Relations, Grace Fu, has urged Africa and Southeast Asia to strengthen collaboration by deepening people-to-people connections, emphasising that such ties are crucial for sustainable growth across both regions.

Speaking at the 8th Africa-Singapore Business Forum (ASBF) in Singapore, Ms. Fu pointed to the Singapore Cooperation Programme as an example of how knowledge-sharing and mutual understanding can build enduring partnerships.

Since the forum’s inception, more than 14,000 African officials from 54 countries have taken part in training programmes in Singapore.

Last year alone, officials from 11 African nations joined a Capacity Building Programme on Trade Negotiations, exchanging strategies and insights with Singaporean counterparts.

“These exchanges have proven invaluable in building cultural understanding and forging lasting friendships,” Ms. Fu said.

She also highlighted Enterprise Singapore’s role in connecting businesses through missions, workshops, and conferences with chambers and associations across Africa.

Citing recent initiatives, Ms. Fu noted that in July 2023, Minister of State for Trade and Industry Alvin Tan led Singapore’s first carbon credits business mission to Ghana, exploring opportunities in carbon trading projects.

Looking ahead, the Singapore Business Federation will lead an Overseas Market Workshop to Egypt this September, focusing on trade, transport, logistics, and urban infrastructure.

Closing her address with the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” Ms. Fu called on participants to take two key steps:

Look beyond the familiar – to see Africa and Southeast Asia not as separate markets, but as complementary engines of growth.

Take the first step – whether as an African company eyeing Southeast Asia or a Singaporean business venturing into Africa, use the ASBF as a launchpad for collaboration.