Joint Communique – United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Environment Chapter Implementation and Memorandum of Intent Biennial Review

The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America and Singapore on the occasion of meetings to review implementation of the Free Trade Agreement Environment Chapter and Memorandum of Intent on Cooperation in Environmental Matters.   

On April 19, 2024, the Governments of the Republic of Singapore and the United States of America (Governments) 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 MOI was negotiated in parallel with the United States-Singapore FTA Environment Chapter.      

The meetings serve as an important opportunity to continue and enhance the longstanding bilateral relationship between the United States and Singapore, and to highlight a shared commitment to environmental protection and the sustainable use of natural resources.    

The Republic of Singapore delegation was led by Mr. Lim Teck Kiat, Deputy Secretary (Resilience), Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment.  The United States delegation was co-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 Governments reviewed progress in implementing obligations under the Environment Chapter (Chapter 18) of the FTA by exchanging information regarding recent actions each Party has taken to:  establish high levels of environmental protection; effectively enforce environmental laws and regulations; and provide opportunities for public participation with respect to the implementation of the Environment Chapter.      

The Governments also exchanged information and views regarding respective and global efforts on a variety of topics including timber trade and related issues, innovation in recycling, marine litter, and circular economy and solid waste management.      

During the Biennial Review, the Governments reviewed accomplishments under the Eighth Plan of Action (POA) for implementation of the MOI that covered 2022 through 2023.  Officials discussed and reported on activities carried out under the POA, including collaboration on solid waste management and recycling, green building standards, training on climate change and environmental sustainability under the U.S.-Singapore Third Country Training Program, and technical exchanges on water management.  The Governments discussed a new POA for 2024 through 2025.  The new POA sets out technical exchanges and activities related to environmental protection, use of innovative environmental technology and pollution management techniques.      

The Governments also held a joint public session, consistent with relevant requirements in Chapter 18 of the FTA.  The public session included civil society and private sector representatives from the United States and Singapore.  The Governments updated the public about their respective efforts to implement Chapter 18 and to strengthen environmental cooperation under the MOI.  Public participants had the opportunity to engage directly with government officials by offering comments and asking questions about implementation of the FTA Chapter 18 and the MOI.