Singapore loses out to Netherlands as world's most connected country: report

But the Lion City is expected to benefit from initiatives aiming to improve logistics and harmonise regulations.

Singapore held its second position after the Netherlands for trade connectivity on the back of its policies that leverage on global connectedness, according to DHL’s latest Global Connectedness Index (GCI).

The GCI report, which assessed the globalisation developments across 169 countries and territories since the Brexit referendum in the United Kingdom and the 2016 presidential election in the United States, found that Singapore was also one of the five countries where international flows exceeded expectations. The other countries included Cambodia, Malaysia, Mozambique and Vietnam.

“As one of the world’s most open and connected economies, Singapore is expected to benefit from the continued implementation of initiatives set forth in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’s (ASEAN) Master Plan on Connectivity 2025, which aims to improve logistics, harmonise regulations, reduce non-tariff barriers and improve mobility of people,” Christopher Ong, managing director for DHL Express Singapore, said in a statement. “This includes the ASEAN Single Window, which will expedite cargo clearance and promote ASEAN economic integration by enabling the electronic exchange of trade-related documents amongst ASEAN member States.”

Also read: Smart city initiatives cement Singapore as elite global city

He further added that global trade pacts including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which is expected to be concluded in 2019 may help increase ASEAN’s trade connectedness and economic integration moving forward.

Amidst growing antiglobalisation tensions in many countries, connectedness reached an all-time high in 2017, as the flows of trade, capital, information and people across national borders all intensified significantly for the first time since 2007, DHL noted. Strong economic growth boosted international flows while key policy changes such as US tariff increases had not yet been implemented.

Rounding off the top 10 most connected countries were Switzerland, Belgium, the UAE, Ireland, Luxembourg, Denmark. UK and Germany.

Also Read

Export decline not tied to global demand, says expert

New platform to boost Japan-Singapore startup collaboration

Since you're here...

...there are many ways you can work with us to advertise your company and connect to your customers. Our team can help you dight and create an advertising campaign, in print and digital, on this website and in print magazine.

We can also organize a real life or digital event for you and find thought leader speakers as well as industry leaders, who could be your potential partners, to join the event. We also run some awards programmes which give you an opportunity to be recognized for your achievements during the year and you can join this as a participant or a sponsor.

Let us help you drive your business forward with a good partnership!

I want to download the media kit