The Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Robert Habeck, and the Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations of the Republic of Singapore, S Iswaran, agreed today on a joint framework between the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and the Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry on the sidelines of the ongoing 17th Asia-Pacific Conference (APC) of German Business in Singapore. The interministerial agreement "Germany-Singapore Framework for Sustainability and Innovation" lays the basis for a regular and structured exchange between the two ministries on all foreign economic policy issues and for sector-specific formats with And between companies. The aim is to deepen and consolidate economic relations and administrative exchange between the two countries.

Minister Habeck: "My thanks go to Minister S Iswaran and the Singapore government for their hospitality and support in hosting this year's Asia- Pacific Conference in Singapore. Singapore is an innovation centre, investment location and gateway to other markets in the region, especially for the German economy, making it an excellent location for the APC. We want to use this conference to further deepen our cooperation and exchange and put it on a formal basis. Sustainability and innovation are two key areas of action to develop our respective strengths and become more robust."

The APC has been held every 2 years at changing locations since 1994. It is the largest networking event of German Business abroad. This year's APC in Singapore will be attended by around 500 participants from more than 20 countries. Diversification and sustainability are two key topics at this year's APC.