Economic cooperation, including the development of bilateral trade and mutual investment, was one of the main topics on Thursday's talks with Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore.  

The volume of trade in goods between our countries is less than USD 1 billion, but Singaporean consumers are increasingly choosing Polish products, e.g. food. During the talks, Minister Jacek Czaputowicz noted that Singapore is a reliable partner and that Poland appreciates the transparency and competitiveness of the market there. At the same time, the chief of Polish diplomacy invited his interlocutors to familiarise themselves with Poland's offering of products, including agricultural products, and services, drawing attention to the particularly broad opportunities for cooperation in the sectors of advanced, innovative and cutting-edge technologies, e.g. IT, start-ups, and financial innovation (fintech). Minister Balakrishnan said that Singapore would like to increase its imports from Poland, including agricultural products, which are increasingly popular with consumers.

During the meeting, the head of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the view that PSA International's investment in a deep-water container terminal in Gdansk, the largest project by a Singaporean company in Central Europe, is a good sign for further development of economic cooperation and next investments by Singaporean companies in Poland. He stressed that Poland is satisfied with the successful completion of the preparatory phase of PSA International’s investment in Gdansk. "Warsaw could be a gateway for the local investors to expand on the European market," said Mikołaj Wild, State Secretary at the Polish Ministry of Infrastructure, who was accompanying the foreign minister.

The ministers also raised the subject of collaboration at international organisations. Minister Czaputowicz recalled Poland's involvement in the work of the UN Security Council as its non-permanent member. "Poland's priorities in the UN SC reflect values which are also close to Singaporeans," said Minister Czaputowicz. 

The officials noted the similar views of Poland and Singapore on major international issues, including the recognition of the need to comply with international law. Minister Czaputowicz outlined Poland's further activities in the framework of the Warsaw process launched this February to promote peace and stability in the Middle East. The chiefs of Polish and Singaporean diplomacy also discussed security issues at some length.

They also spoke about energy security. Minister Czaputowicz mentioned the significance of the LNG terminal operating in Swinoujscie. He recalled the importance of investing in the development of intermodal connections in Europe and Poland's involvement in the Three Seas Initiative.

Minister Czaputowicz also outlined Poland's position and assessment of the future of the European Union, particularly in the context of Brexit, paying particular attention to the importance of strengthening the EU market's competitiveness. "Poland supports the conclusion of an EU-Singapore free trade agreement. We hope it will further strengthen our links," said Minister Czaputowicz. 

The head of the Polish Ministry also meet today with Karsten Warnecke, Executive Director of ASEF (Asia-Europe Foundation), a non-profit organisation whose purpose is to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between Asians and Europeans. Minister Jacek Czaputowicz thanked him for promoting cooperation between European and Asian societies in such areas as culture, economy, and human rights and expressed the willingness of the Polish side to continue its involvement in ASEF's mission and activity.‎ 

The chief of Polish diplomacy also took part in a reception organised by the Polish Embassy in Singapore on the occasion of the Third of May Constitution National Holiday. Singaporean Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu was a guest of honour from the Singaporean side.‎

A day earlier, on Wednesday, Minister Czaputowicz delivered an address in the framework of the so- called Fullerton Lecture at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. He presented the Polish perspective of developments in the European Union, Asia and the world. The chief of Polish diplomacy stressed that Warsaw is trying to contribute to strengthening security and peace building in other parts of the world through its non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council. He also mentioned Poland's priorities within its framework, which include strengthening international law, promoting the protection of civilians in armed conflicts, as well as supporting the peaceful resolution of disputes. 

In his lecture, the minister underlined the need to strengthen Poland's links with Asia, especially in the economy. "We want to do that at three levels: first, we focus on strategic partnership and political dialogue and, second, we are actively engaged in multilateral fora, including the formulation of EU policy towards Asia and the Pacific, and, third, we are developing comprehensive economic cooperation, including in energy and technology," said the minister.

During his visit, Minister Czaputowicz also gave an interview on Poland-Singapore relations and European affairs for the Asia Now programme broadcast by Channel News Asia.

On Friday, the last day of his Singaporean visit, the chief of Polish diplomacy will hold talks with representatives of the management boards of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and PSA International.

 

MFA Press Office

 

Photo: Gabriel Piętka / MFA