In the midst of the rapidly evolving global marketplace, partnerships are being forged between individuals, businesses, and governments. In the coming months, negotiations will commence between Canada and Singapore to explore the possibility of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Cultural, social, political, and economical factors will need to be considered. An endeavour of this nature will affect the citizens of both countries indefinitely, including the youth who represent the future initiators.

Singapore’s strategic geographic position would be an excellent advantage to Canadian trade for the entire Asian and Australian marketplace. Singapore has the infrastructure facilities to ship goods rapidly and efficiently to the major ports of the world. In addition, a highly skilled labour force and a strong regional network.

Although Singapore is a small country with few natural resources, it has positioned itself as a knowledge-based economy on the cutting edge of business and technology. Canada, being a newly developed country, in comparison to the long history of trade and development of Singapore, could benefit from such knowledge and technology.

With all the positive outcomes that are anticipated, there are certain precautions of which both Canada and Singapore must consider. According to the DFAIT News Release on June 5, 2000, 1999, Canada imported $1.2 billion from and exported $367 million to Singapore. It is perceived that the trade disparities between Canada and Singapore would balance over time as an increased number of Canadian companies would be able to use Singapore as a launch pad to extend their services, technologies, and knowledge into the Asian marketplace.

Canada is known globally to be a passive, kind and polite country. It is, according to the United Nations, the best place to live. With the possibility of an FTA between Singapore and Canada, Asian and Canadian relations will surely improve. This improvement will help develop all sectors (tourism, education etc.). As a result, Canada gains credibility towards other possible FTAs.

For example, with a massive population of over 1.2 billion people, China’s market potential is massive to say the least. By the time this economy explodes, Canada will have developed a stronger presence in the Asia marketplace in order to take advantage of the opportunities presented.

In today’s global economy, Canada faces competition in many industries and sectors. The proposed free trade agreement between Canada and Singapore is our chance to establish and build a strong connection between east and west.

For example, competition in the airline industry could greatly benefit the consumers of Canada. Air Canada could also take advantage of the market in Singapore where it is one of the highest air traffic centres in Southeast Asia. The domestic airline industry in Canada is now dominated by Air Canada after the merger with Canadian Airlines. An aggressive foreign airline could offer competition, which would result in pressure on Air Canada to maintain efficiency.

When examining a proposed trade agreement with a partner country, it is important to judge whether "Free Trade" is in fact "Fair Trade". Countries in the surrounding area are being exploited for their lower standards regarding working conditions, cheaper wages, use of child labourers and lower environmental standards. Therefore, we need to look at the ‘big picture’ and consider whether the proposed agreement increases the gap between both rich and poor nations.

Canada has a strong economic dependency on the United States as approximately 85% of our current exports are delivered south.

It is imperative for Canada to diversify; we have the chance through the proposed Canada-Singapore FTA to expand our trading networks and partners. NAFTA, the free trade agreement between Canada, United States and Mexico is the first step towards developing a stronger international trading network. Canada should look forward towards the potential. The Singapore FTA will serve more than just a link from Canada to develop a network to Asia but a statement to the other interested countries that Canada is willing to develop trading partners globally.