Over the past two months, DPM Gan, who is also the Minister for Trade and Industry, has been hard at work strengthening our trade relations with other countries, ensuring that more trade and greater economic growth comes to our shores.
In Kuala Lumpur (25 May), he met up with his ASEAN counterparts at the ASEAN Economic Community Council (AECC) Meeting. “We reviewed the region’s economic performance and addressed pressing issues facing the region amidst global headwinds,” shared DPM Gan.
During the meeting, DPM Gan concluded negotiations on the upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA). The agreement will make it easier for SMEs in Singapore to tap into the ASEAN market with simplified trade procedures.
Next, a working trip to Tokyo (27-29 May) saw DPM Gan pushing for stronger partnerships between Singapore and Japan. Both countries will commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations next year.
“We discussed ways to further cooperation in the digital and green economies (and) in emerging areas such as AI,” said DPM Gan.
Over the years, Singapore’s ability to build strong bilateral ties and tap into the expertise of others has been one of the reasons why our little red dot has consistently punched above its weight.
Capping off a punishing schedule, DPM Gan attended the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting in Paris (3-4 June). Over two days, DPM Gan met with WTO officials and fellow ministers from various OECD countries, as well as Thailand, India, South Africa, and Egypt, building trade relationships with new countries, and strengthening old links.
“In these challenging times, it is all the more important for like-minded nations to band together, find new ways to collaborate…so that we can enhance trade and investment flows and help our businesses and people to thrive,” said DPM Gan.
Making sure Punggol residents are well taken care of
In between overseas meetings, the well-being of Punggol residents remains a priority for DPM Gan.
Since becoming MP for Punggol GRC, DPM Gan has immersed himself in the thick of Punggol’s community. Besides a full schedule of MPS, house visits and dialogue sessions, DPM Gan has also joined residents from Punggol and Northshore for Father’s Day celebrations, block parties and even a brisk walk to Coney Island.
All these and more reflect the care DPM Gan, if not all PAP MPs, have for their constituents. Through regular engagements, our MPs are able to gather feedback to help improve the estate.
Taking such feedback to heart, DPM Gan and his team have gotten quickly down to work. From upgrading shared community spaces to installing an additional ATM at One Punggol, these small touches bring immediate convenience to residents’ lives, and make Punggol a better home for all.
There are further plans in store for Punggol. Together with fellow Punggol GRC MPs, discussions have been held with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) on ways to improve transport connectivity for Punggol residents.
“We talked about the adequacy of bus services, MRT services, covered linkways and last mile connection. We hope to improve the commuting experience of our residents,” shared DPM Gan.
Protecting Singaporean jobs: Before, during and after the GE
As the man in charge of Singapore’s trade and industry, the groundwork done by DPM Gan and his team is crucial in securing thousands of jobs for Singaporeans. This comes at a time when US tariffs are beginning to impact businesses worldwide.
The importance of this work was underscored during the recent general elections.Even in the midst of campaigning, DPM Gan continued to conduct trade negotiations with US Secretary of Commerce, Mr Howard Lutnick.
Historically, small countries risk being irrelevant. Singapore’s ability to buck the trend requires people in government who believe in cooperation with other open economies, and who are steadfast in advancing Singapore’s interests.
These interests include driving the development of new industries and the creation of good jobs for Singaporeans.
At a WP rally during the recent General Elections, Mr Harpreet Singh took a jab at DPM Gan Kim Yong. Voting DPM Gan out would mean “Singaporeans save not one not two but three ministerial salaries!” according to the WP candidate.
DPM Gan’s heavy schedule, working for Singaporeans and Punggol residents alike, is a quiet rebuttal of Mr Singh’s barbed remark.
