Singapore, Australia have 'substantially concluded' negotiations on economic resilience, essential supplies agreement: Ministers
(From left) Australia's Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell, Australia's Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, Singapore's Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Singapore's Manpower Minister and Minister-in-Charge of Energy and Science & Technology Tan See Leng at the headquarters of Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Apr 17, 2026. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
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SINGAPORE: Singapore and Australia have "substantially concluded" negotiations on an economic resilience and essential supplies agreement, four of the countries' ministers said in a joint statement on Friday (Apr 17).
The Protocol on Economic Resilience and Essential Supplies to the Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement follows a commitment by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Apr 10 to support the flow of essential supplies between the two countries.
The statement was issued by Singapore's Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, his Australian counterpart Penny Wong, Singapore's Manpower Minister and Minister-in-Charge of Energy and Science & Technology Tan See Leng and Australia's Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell.
"The protocol reflects the priority we accord each other with respect to trade in essential supplies including petroleum oils, such as diesel, and liquefied natural gas," they added.
"It also demonstrates the complementarity and interdependence of our two economies."
Under the protocol, the countries will enhance cooperation on economic resilience. Such cooperation includes efforts to manage and minimise supply chain disruptions and to avoid imposing export prohibitions or restrictions on essential supplies between them, the ministers said.
The protocol also formalises the Australia-Singapore Economic Resilience Dialogue recognised by the countries’ prime ministers in their Apr 10 announcement.
"The dialogue will serve as the mechanism for cooperation on economic resilience and trade in essential supplies," the ministers said.
"The protocol is guided by the principles of an open, rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization at its core," they added.
"The protocol will enter into force when both Singapore and Australia have completed their domestic processes."
The ministers each welcomed the protocol.
"The resolution of this protocol, and that the negotiations are completed, is an affirmation of the truly special relationship that we have with Australia," said Dr Balakrishnan.
"I think our people in both Singapore and Australia can take some comfort and assurance from the fact that our two governments are working so closely and so effectively together."
Ms Wong said that the protocol represents "reliable, trusted partners working together to secure fuel and essential supplies" for their people.
