Global Connectivity
and Future-ready Infrastructure

1^st

in the world for global connectedness¹

free trade agreements (FTAs) globally²

1^st

in the world for national infrastructure³

We are the gateway to Southeast Asia's vibrant and diverse markets

Attractive geographical location
One of Asia's largest trading hubs
Seamless global connectivity
Cutting-edge infrastructure
Reliable power and water supply

Located along the world’s major trade, shipping, and aviation routes, Singapore facilitates efficient trade between key markets in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

We connect the world to Southeast Asia

It takes a maximum of seven hours to get from Singapore to other Asian hubs, making us an ideal gateway to the rest of the region.

Extensive FTA network

Singapore has a network of 27 FTAs globally, including with major economies like the United States, Europe, China, and Japan that will allow you to trade freely and easily with in the rest of the world.

With potentially lower or zero tariffs, exports from Singapore can stay competitive. With preferential rates and easier entry into many export markets, our FTAs help to ensure stability for your business in the long term.

Learn about Free Trade Agreements: FAQ

Low barriers for flow of goods

Singapore’s Free Trade Zones (FTZs) and import Goods and Services Tax (GST) suspension schemes significantly reduce barriers for the flow of goods.

FTZs facilitate entrepot trade and transhipment activities by suspending duty and GST for goods stored within the zones, provided key requirements are met. This allows companies to fully leverage the proximity to Singapore’s ports, gaining direct access to terminals.

Learn more about how our FTZs work

Additionally, your business could benefit from import GST suspension or deferral schemes:

Zero-GST Warehouse Scheme – For businesses to store imported non-dutiable goods with GST suspended
Major Exporter Schemes (MES) – For businesses that import and export non-dutiable goods substantially
Approved 3rd Party Logistics Company Scheme (A3PL) – For companies that provide logistics management services to overseas clients using Singapore as a logistics hub

Reliable and relevant customs

The Singapore Customs is a trusted partner for many companies that depend on our ports. They also have a range of initiatives, allowing you to leverage Singapore’s digital connectivity and further your trade efficiency.

These initiatives include:

Networked Trade Platform – A unified trade and logistics ecosystem supporting digitalisation and connecting the trade value chain
Electronic Banker’s Guarantee – Enables faster transactions by accepting electronic banker’s guarantees

These factors contribute to Singapore’s reputation as one of the best international trading hubs in the world.

Singapore is well-connected to the world with globally leading logistics players based here and largest air cargo hub in Southeast Asia.

By air

Changi Airport, consistently ranked among the world’s best, serves over 100 airlines flying to about 100 countries and territories. We move 1.8 million tonnes of air freight and 60 million passengers annually⁽ⁱ⁾.

By sea

Singapore’s port connectivity ranks among the busiest globally, linking to over 600 ports worldwide and handling more than 130,000 vessel calls annually. This makes us a focal point for global shipping and container transhipment⁽ⁱⁱ⁾.

Most recently, we have also been named the “Best Global Seaport” for the third consecutive year, and the “Best Seaport in Asia” by the 2023 Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain (AFLAS) Awards⁽ⁱⁱⁱ⁾.

By land

While Singapore is an island nation, our connectivity extends through integrated logistics and transport networks, including the International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, which links Southeast Asia with China^(iv).

The Woodlands Checkpoint located between Malaysia and Singapore is also one of the busiest land border crossings in the world.

Learn what makes Singapore a trusted hub in global supply chains

Sources: (i) Changi Airport - Traffic Statistics. Retrieved September 2024; (ii) Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, Global Connectivity; (iii) MOTAC, Mota Awards Ceremony, Maritime and Port Authority, Asian Freight and Supply Chain Awards 2023; (iv) Leveraging Geography: How Singapore’s Strategic Location Powers its Success - Singapore Changi Airport

Singapore’s internet connectivity⁽ⁱ⁾ and advanced IT infrastructure underpins our inclusive digital economy.

1^st in Asia
for ICT infrastructure⁽ⁱⁱ⁾

Fastest fixed broadband speed
in the world⁽ⁱⁱⁱ⁾

171%
mobile penetration rate^(iv)

Fastest download (87.1 Mbps) and upload speeds (14.9 Mbps)
in Southeast Asia^(v)

60%
of Southeast Asia’s data centres are in Singapore^(vi)

Sources: (i) Statistics on Telecom Services for 2023 (Jan – Jun); (ii) INSEAD, The Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2022; (iii) Speedtest, Speedtest Global Index, December 2022; (iv) Statistics on Telecom Services for 2023 (Jan – Jun) (imda.gov.sg); (v) Opensignal, Global Mobile Network Experience Awards 2023; (vi) International Trade Administration, "Singapore New Data Centers", November 2022

Becoming the digital powerhouse of Asia

Touted as Asia’s Silicon Valley, Singapore is known for its strong tech ecosystem. Here’s what you need to know:

One of the most AI-ready economies in the world and first in Southeast Asia^(vii)
Additional S$440 million committed to the Startup SG Equity scheme, bringing total allocated government funding for Singapore-based deep tech startups to over S$1 billion
80 of the world’s top 100 technology firms have a presence here with many using Singapore as their regional headquarters
Singapore is home to more than 4,500 tech startups, 500 VC firms, and over 220 accelerators^(viii)
Two-thirds of the region’s top 50 most funded startups are based here^(ix)
Facilitative environment to nurture public-private partnerships through initiatives like the FinTech Regulatory Sandbox by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and Open Innovation Platform by the Infocomm and Media Development Authority (IMDA)
Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) network connects startups to over 20 major innovation hubs around the world, offering access to new markets and opportunities to work with overseas innovators and corporates

To support digital trade moves between countries, Singapore has:

Digital Economy Agreements (DEAs) – Aligning digital rules and standards with like-minded partners
APEC Cross Border Privacy Rules – Data privacy certification system for companies to show compliance with internationally recognised data privacy protections
ASEAN Model Contractual Clause – Contractual terms that can be used in legal agreements to protect cross-border transfer of data

Going green for a sustainable future

Our commitment to green infrastructure means your business can be part of a sustainable future. Under the Green Plan 2030, Singapore has outlined a series of ambitious and concrete initiatives aimed at achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

Quadrupling solar energy capacity by 2025, reducing carbon footprint and energy costs^(x)
At least 25% of communal spaces will need to be set aside for greenery, enforcing sustainable urban planning
80% improvement in energy efficiency in best-in-class green buildings by 2030
Be a leading centre for green finance and services by 2030, facilitating Asia’s transition to a low-carbon, sustainable future
All new harbour crafts in our ports will either be fully electric, use B100 biofuels, or be compatible with net zero fuels by 2030
Every vehicle operating airside at Changi Airport will be powered by cleaner energy sources by 2040^(x)

Learn more about Singapore’s Green Plan 2030

Sources: (vii) BCG’s AI Maturity Matrix; (viii) Singapore Venture Funding Landscape 2024; (ix) Singapore Venture Funding Report 2023; (x) Our Targets (greenplan.gov.sg) More greenery, space in cluster housing under new URA guidelines | The Straits Times.

Singapore ensures that your business operations can run smoothly with reliable water and electricity supply all year round.

Consistent Water Supply

Our water supply is reliable and diversified. There is strong government funding for water research with a focus on cutting-edge solutions for efficient water management and sustainability.

Reliable Electricity Supply

Singapore has one of the most reliable electricity supplies globally, with an average interruption time of less than one minute per customer per year.
Choose your preferred electricity retailer with our liberalised electricity market and robust regulatory framework.

Learn how we manage our water supply and ensure a reliable energy supply in Singapore – providing you with a stable and sustainable environment to grow your business

Why Southeast Asia?

4^th

largest economy in the world by 2030

Source: US-ASEAN Business Council, “ASEAN Matters for America, America Matters for ASEAN”

US$1 trillion

Projected market value of SEA’s digital economy by 2030

Source: Google, Temasek and Bain's e-Conomy report 2024

A bright future for Southeast Asia

A bright future for Southeast Asia

671.7 million

Total population in the region (2022)

Source: ASEANstats, ASEAN Key Figures 2023

US$225.8 billion

in foreign direct investments, a 6% increase from last year

Source: ASEANstats, ASEAN Key Figures 2023

4^th

largest economy in the world by 2030

Source: US-ASEAN Business Council, “ASEAN Matters for America, America Matters for ASEAN”

671.7 million

Total population in the region (2022)

Source: ASEANstats, ASEAN Key Figures 2023

US$1 trillion

Projected market value of SEA’s digital economy by 2030

Source: Google, Temasek and Bain's e-Conomy report 2024

US$225.8 billion

in foreign direct investments, a 6% increase from last year

Source: ASEANstats, ASEAN Key Figures 2023

References

We are the gateway to Southeast Asia's vibrant and diverse markets

We connect the world to Southeast Asia

Extensive FTA network

Low barriers for flow of goods

Reliable and relevant customs

By air

By sea

By land

Becoming the digital powerhouse of Asia

Going green for a sustainable future

Consistent Water Supply

Reliable Electricity Supply

Why Southeast Asia?

A bright future for Southeast Asia

A bright future for Southeast Asia

Learn how Singapore’s strategic location and infrastructure can give your business a boost

Useful resources