WASHINGTON – The United States and the Republic of Singapore (Parties) held meetings to review 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 United States delegation was 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 Republic of Singapore delegation was led by Mr. Lim Teck Kiat, Deputy Secretary (Resilience), Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment.
The Parties reviewed respective progress on implementation of, and compliance with, the obligations in the Environment Chapter of the FTA. They also exchanged information and views on a variety of topics including: timber trade and related issues, innovation in chemical recycling, marine litter, and circular economy and solid waste management, including respective and global efforts to address these issues. The Biennial Review considered accomplishments during 2022 and 2023 under the MOI, and discussed future environmental cooperation for 2024 through 2025.
The Parties also convened a public session, which included civil society and private sector representatives from the United States and Singapore. During this session, the Parties shared updates about their respective efforts to implement Chapter 18 and to strengthen environmental cooperation under the MOI. The session also provided an opportunity for members of the public to offer comments and ask questions.
A more detailed Joint Communique will be released shortly.
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