Singapore and Ecuador seek deeper cooperation in areas including trade, food security

OTHER POTENTIAL AREAS FOR COOPERATION

Agriculture and food are another promising area for cooperation, said Mr Tharman, pointing to Ecuador’s rich agricultural and marine resources, including bananas, cocoa and shrimp,

Singapore companies have already established operations or built ties in Ecuador,

For example, agri-trade company DiMuto has worked with Ecuadorian partners to digitise and trace agricultural exports to Asian markets. PSA Marine also provides pilotage and boat services in Ecuador’s Guayaquil and Posorja ports.

“These are good examples of what our partnership can become – combining capabilities in ways that create value and open new markets,” said Mr Tharman.

The Singapore president added that both countries could learn a lot from each other about preserving natural and cultural heritage.

Ecuador has five UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the historic City of Quito, the Galápagos Islands and Sangay National Park.

Singapore, despite being a small country, is also determined to integrate greenery in its landscape, said Mr Tharman, pointing to the Singapore Botanical Gardens, which is the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The new MOU on development cooperation is the “starting point” for strengthening the partnership between Singapore and Ecuador in areas of mutual priority, such as trade, education, governance, digitalisation and public health, said Mr Tharman.

“Ultimately, the foundations of any bilateral relationship are built not just through agreements, but through the people who give them meaning and momentum,” he added.

The two countries should create more opportunities for their people to meet and engage, said Mr Tharman. “It is through these personal relationships that the most enduring forms of cooperation take root.”