The U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement
The USSFTA brings a new chapter to U.S.-Singapore partnership and it is now an excellent time for U.S. firms to explore doing business here. The USSFTA provides a secure, predictable legal framework for protecting U.S. investments in Singapore, including a basic set of substantive protections that are similar to those Singaporean investors in the U.S. currently enjoyed under U.S. laws. There is a groundbreaking chapter on competition policy and government enterprises and includes extensive enhancement to the protection of intellectual property rights. The USSFTA includes extensive coverage of services. U.S. services firms will enjoy fair and non-discriminatory treatment through strong disciplines on both cross-border supply of services (including those delivered electronically) and the right to invest and establish a local service presence. The financial service chapter includes significant new market access in the banking and asset management sector. There is also increased market access in the insurance sector.

Learn more abut the USSFTA now.

Singapore was ranked the best place to do business in the Asia-Pacific region and was ranked 7th globally by the Economist Intelligence Unit in July 2003. The Singapore government has developed an outward-looking, export-oriented economic policy that encourages two-way flows of trade and investment. It has excellent infrastructure, including an airport and seaport that are among the best in the world, an extensive road network and subway system, state-of-the-art telecommunications facilities and reliable public utilities.

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Market Briefs -- a combination of videoconference and streaming media technologies -- brings you real-time Commercial Service global market insights and opportunities from around the world. The Singapore Market Brief interview, taped in July 2003, is brought to you by the International Trade Administration, Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Commerce. The use of trade, firm, or corporation names within this Webcast or on the surrounding pages, or links to Web sites outside the U.S. Federal Government are for the convenience of the user. Such use does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of any private sector Web site, product or service by the U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Commerce Department.