Singapore defends free-trade pacts from criticism<\/p>\n
SINGAPORE (AFX-ASIA): Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong defended
\nthe country's move to forge free trade agreements outside the
\nAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).<\/p>\n
Goh said he is aware of criticism by an unnamed Malaysian
\nminister that Singapore's launching of bilateral free trade
\narrangements (FTA) could divide ASEAN.<\/p>\n
He also noted that another Malaysian official, Trade Minister
\nRafidah Aziz, has said that Singapore's FTAs are consistent with
\nthe World Trade Organization.<\/p>\n
Malaysia itself is reportedly considering a similar accord
\nwith Japan, the prime minister said.<\/p>\n
\"So I do not know which view prevails in Malaysia,\" Goh told a
\nnews conference.<\/p>\n
\"But speaking for Singapore, we have bigger reasons than just
\nthinking of ourselves.\"<\/p>\n
Singapore has signed an FTA with New Zealand. Negotiations are
\ndue to start with Japan, Australia and the U.S. and a study has
\nbeen proposed for similar accords with Mexico and Canada.<\/p>\n
\"Very importantly, these countries are signaling their
\ninterest in ASEAN, \" Goh said.<\/p>\n
\"ASEAN at the moment is not quite ready to do an FTA with
\nother countries but Singapore is. So I told the leaders in other
\ncountries that ASEAN requires some attention.\"<\/p>\n
Goh said that Singapore's FTAs did not contravene a
\nmultilateral global trading system under the WTO.<\/p>\n
\"The FTA for Singapore will be WTO consistent. (It) will be
\nopen to anybody who wants to sign on the terms which we have
\nnegotiated with the others.<\/p>\n
\"It is not a closed FTA. Its is meant to be an arrangement
\nwhich supports negotiations for freer trade in the fast track so
\nthat the others can just follow later on.\"<\/p>\n
Malaysia<\/p>\n
However, Malaysia rejected Singapore's claims it is planning a
\nbilateral free trade pact.<\/p>\n
Both Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and Trade
\nMinister Rafidah Aziz immediately issued a denial.<\/p>\n
When Rafidah asked who has made the claim, and was told Goh,
\nshe said: \"He must be out of is mind,\" adding: \"I'm the minister.
\nTake my word. (There is) no such thing.\"<\/p>\n
But she later told reporters in a telephone interview that the
\nbarb is not aimed at the Singaporean leader.<\/p>\n
\"I never said anything that Goh is out of his mind, or even
\nSingapore.\"<\/p>\n
When Mahathir was questioned about a deal with Japan he said:
\n\"I'm not aware of it.\"<\/p>\n
Mahathir said Saturday that ASEAN has to study in detail the
\nimpact of FTAs on the region's economies.<\/p>\n
\"We have to examine in detail to know how it will affect ASEAN
\ncountries. If it means goods coming in to Singapore can go to
\nASEAN after AFTA then it is no go.<\/p>\n
\"If it does not affect us then we are willing to go along with
\nit.\"<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/singapore-defends-free-trade-pacts-from-criticism-1447893297",
"image": ""
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