SG, China strengthens free-trade agreement

China vowed not to impose foreign equity limits for Singapore investors in 22 sectors.

Singapore and China have signed the China-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (CSFTA) Further Upgrade Protocol, which will deepen collaboration between the two countries.

Under the Further Upgrade Protocol, Singapore will secure greater market access to China’s services sectors, including construction, retailing & wholesale, and architectural & urban planning services.

The protocol also paves the way for a new Telecommunications Services Chapter, which will provide clearer rules and enhanced transparency for telecommunications regulatory processes and facilitate industry collaboration for innovation and development. 

In 2021, China was Singapore’s fourth largest trading partner in services, whilst Singapore was China’s third largest.