Singapore to contribute S$7.9 million worth of medical supplies to ASEAN reserve: PM Lee

SINGAPORE: Singapore will contribute S$7.9 million worth of medical supplies to an ASEAN stockpile, introduced Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on the thirty eighth Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit on Tuesday (Oct 26).

In his feedback on the summit, which was held through video convention, Mr Lee confused the necessity for ASEAN nations to work collectively to “emerge stronger and more resilient” from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Singapore fully supports ASEAN’s collective effort to prepare for future public health emergencies. We will contribute S$7.9 million worth of medical supplies to the ASEAN Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies,” he introduced.

Given these “difficult times”, Mr Lee additionally famous the necessity to work even more durable on financial integration, and ratify the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

“The RCEP will boost confidence in regional trade and investment and contribute significantly towards the region’s post-pandemic economic recovery,” he stated.

"I look ahead to the swift ratification of the RCEP by all ASEAN Member States and companions, for the settlement to enter into power by January 2023 as deliberate.”

ASEAN nations should additionally progressively re-open its economies and resume protected journey as they convey COVID-19 underneath management, Mr Lee famous. This, he stated, is a vital facet of residing with COVID-19.

“Singapore has launched vaccinated travel lanes (VTLs) to facilitate the quarantine-free entry of fully vaccinated visitors. We welcome the adoption of the ASEAN Travel Corridor Arrangement Framework, and the development of interoperable digital solutions to enable travel to resume safely,” defined Mr Lee.

“We encourage the development of digital health certificates for proof of testing and vaccination, and further progress on the mutual recognition of such certificates, which will greatly facilitate travel.”

IMPROVING ACCESS TO VACCINES

With the COVID-19 pandemic remaining a key problem after two years, ASEAN nations should work collectively to enhance entry to vaccines, added Mr Lee.

“Vaccines are critical in breaking the chain of viral transmission, and more importantly, to prevent serious illnesses and deaths,” he stated.

“As co-chair of the Friends of the COVID19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) Facility, Singapore is strongly committed to vaccine multilateralism and fair and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for all countries.” 

Mr Lee identified that Singapore has donated its vaccine allocation by the COVAX Facility to different nations, and welcomes ASEAN’s determination to use the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund to buy vaccines.

“Singapore will contribute our allocation to other ASEAN Member States and the ASEAN Secretariat. Singapore stands ready to work with ASEAN Member States to ensure the swift and equitable distribution of vaccines within the region,” stated Mr Lee.

“For instance, we are ramping up our cold chain logistics services and expanding our vaccine manufacturing capabilities, with three new vaccine production facilities in the pipeline.”