WT/REG262/1  
7 July 2014  
(14-3882) Page: 1/37  
Committee on Regional Trade Agreements   
 
FACTUAL PRESENTATION 
FREE TRADE AGREEMENT BETW EEN CHINA AND SINGAPORE 
(GOODS AND SERVICES) 
Report by the Secretariat 
This report, prepared for the considerat ion of the Free Trade Agreement between 
China and Singapore has been drawn up by the WTO Secretariat on its own 
responsibility and in full consultation with the Parties. The report has been drawn up in accordance with the rules and procedures contained in the Decision for a Transparency Mechanism for Regional Trade Agreements (WT/L/671). 
Any technical questions arising from this re port may be addressed to Rohini Acharya 
(tel: +41 22 739 5874). Any statistical questi ons arising from this report may be 
addressed to Ms. Rowena Cabos (tel: +41 22 739 5185). 
 
 WT/REG262/1 
 
- 2 - 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
Page 
1   TRADE ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................................. 4  
1.1   Merchand ise Trade..................................................................................................... 4  
1.2   Trade in servic es and inve stment ................................................................................. 7  
2   CHARACTERISTIC ELEMEN TS OF THE AG REEMENT ...................................................... 9  
2.1   Background  Information ............................................................................................. 9  
3   TRADE IN  GOODS ...................................................................................................... 10  
3.1   Import duties and charges,  and quantitative  restrict ions ................................................ 10 
3.1.1   Genera l provisions ................................................................................................. 10 
3.1.2   Liberalization of  trade and ta riff lines ........................................................................ 10 
3.1.3   China's libe ralization schedule ................................................................................. 12 
3.1.4   Singapore's lib eralization schedule ........................................................................... 13 
3.2   Tariff rate quotas ...................................................................................................... 14 
3.3   Rules of origin .......................................................................................................... 14 
3.4   Export duties and charges,  and quantitative  restrictions ................................................. 15 
3.5   Regulatory provisions on trade in goods ....................................................................... 15 
3.5.1   Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and Technical Barriers to Trade ............................ 15 
3.5.2   Safeguard mechanisms ........................................................................................... 16 
3.5.2.1   Global safeguards ............................................................................................... 16 
3.5.2.2   Bilateral safeguards ............................................................................................. 16 
3.5.2.3   Special safeguards .............................................................................................. 17 
3.5.2.4   Balance of payments safeguards ........................................................................... 17 
3.5.3   Anti -dumpi ng ........................................................................................................ 17 
3.5.4   Subsidies and co untervailing measures ..................................................................... 17 
3.5.5   Other regulations ................................................................................................... 17 
4   TRADE IN SERVICES .................................................................................................. 17  
4.1   Scope and definitions ................................................................................................ 17 
4.2   Denial of benefits ..................................................................................................... 18 
4.3   General provisions on trade in services ........................................................................ 18 
4.3.1   Mark et acce ss ....................................................................................................... 18 
4.3.2   National and MFN tr eatment .................................................................................... 18 
4.3.3   Commercial presence ............................................................................................. 18 
4.3.4   Movement of  natural persons .................................................................................. 18 
4.4   Liberalization commitments ........................................................................................ 20 
4.4.1   China ................................................................................................................. .. 20 
4.4.1.1   Horizont al commit ments ...................................................................................... 20 
4.4.1.2   Sector sp ecific commitments ................................................................................ 20 
4.4.2   Singapore .............................................................................................................  22 
4.4.2.1   Horizont al commit ments ...................................................................................... 22 WT/REG262/1 
 
- 3 - 
 
  
4.4.2.2   Sector sp ecific commitments ................................................................................ 22
 
4.5   Regulatory provisions on trade in services .................................................................... 25 
4.5.1   Domestic regulation ............................................................................................... 25 
4.5.2   Recognition ........................................................................................................... 26 
4.5.3   Monopolies and excl usive service suppliers ................................................................ 26 
4.5.4   Transfers/Balance of payment safeguard measures ..................................................... 26 
4.6   Sector specific provis ions on trade in services ............................................................... 26 
5   GENERAL PROVISIONS  OF THE AGREEMENT ............................................................. 27  
5.1   Tran sparency ........................................................................................................... 27 
5.2   Exceptions ............................................................................................................... 27 
5.3   Accession and Termination ......................................................................................... 27 
5.4   Institutio nal framework ............................................................................................. 27 
5.5   Disput e settlement ................................................................................................... 27 
5.6   Relationship with other agr eements concluded by the Parties .......................................... 29 
5.7   Government  procurement .......................................................................................... 31 
5.8   Intellectual property rights ......................................................................................... 31 
5.9   Investment .............................................................................................................. 31 
5.10   Coop eration ........................................................................................................... 31 
ANNEX 1 ....................................................................................................................... . 33 
 WT/REG262/1 
 
- 4 - 
 
  
Key Facts 
 
Parties to the Agreement:  China and Singapore  
 
Date of Signature:   23 October 2008  
 
Date of Entry into Force:  01 January 2009  
 
Date of Notification:   02 March 2009  
 
Full implementation:   China 2015 
     Singapore 2014  
 
 
 
1  TRADE ENVIRONMENT1 
1.1.  The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between China and Singapore (hereinafter referred to as 
"the Agreement") is China's fourth (after Hong Kong, China; Macao, China; and ASEAN) FTA with 
an Asian partner and Singapore's third FTA (after Japan and Korea) with an East Asian partner. The Agreement is China's first FTA for which a trade in services component is to be considered by 
the WTO Committee on Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) in accordance with the Transparency 
Mechanism for RTAs. 
1.2.  In 2012 China's GDP was estimated at US$8,227 billion while that of Singapore was 
US$274.7 billion. With total merchandise exports of US$2,048.7 billion and imports of 
US$1,818.4 billion, China was the world's second largest exporter and third largest importer in 
2012 (excluding intra-EU trade) compared to Singapore's ranking at 9
th and 10th largest exporter 
and importer (its merchandise exports were US$408.4 billion and imports US$379.7 billion). In 
commercial services also, while China ranked third in terms of exports and imports 
(US$190.4 billion and US$280.2 billion respectively), Singapore ranked the 7th and 6th largest 
exporter and importer (exports at US$111.9 billion and imports at US$117.7 billion). Singapore's 
exposure to trade is high, reflected in a tr ade to GDP ratio of 400.2 averaged over 2010-12 
compared to that of China at 53.6. 
1.1  Merchandise Trade 1.3.  In 2012 China was Singapore's third largest export market (10.8% of Singapore's exports) 
and third largest source of imports (10.3% of its imports) for goods. Singapore was China's eighth 
largest export market (2% of China's exports) and 16
th largest source of imports (1.6% of its 
imports). Recent developments in global and intra-Party trade are presented in Chart 1.1. Over the 
period surveyed (2010-12), both China and Sing apore have had a consistent trade surplus on a 
global basis. In its bilateral trade with Singapor e, since 2005, China has registered a growing trade 
surplus although the figures reported  by the Parties show slightly different trends in their bilateral 
trade. This may in part be due, according to the Parties, to the use of different methodologies with 
different sets of parameters and assumptions used to calculate export and import data.  
                                               
1 Unless otherwise indicated, the statistics in this  section are based on the UNSD Comtrade database 
and Trade Profiles published by the WTO. WT/REG262/1 
 
- 5 - 
 
  
Chart 1.1 China and Singapore: Merchandise bilateral trade and with world 
0102030405060708090
05001,0001,5002,0002,500
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012A. China 2000-2012
(US$ billions)
Imports from Singapore (Right Axis)
Exports to Singapore (Right Axis)
Total Imports
Total Exports
0102030405060708090
050100150200250300350400450
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012B. Singapore 2000-2012 
(US$ billions)
Imports from China (Right Axis)
Exports to China (Right Axis)
Total Imports
Total Exports
 
 
Source: UNSD Comtrade database. 
 
1.4.  The commodity structure of trade between the Parties, as well as of their imports and exports 
to the world in the period of 2006-2008, is shown in Chart 1.2a on the basis of the Harmonized 
System (HS) sections while Chart 1.2b shows the structure of trade for the period 2010-12. 
1.5.  China's four largest export product cate gories – machinery, textiles, base metals, and 
miscellaneous (e.g. furniture and toys) – made up 71.6% of its total exports in 2006-2008 and 
accounted for 79% of Singapore's imports from China; minerals also account for a significant share of Singapore's imports (6%) from China. Singapore's four largest export product categories – 
machinery, minerals, chemicals and base metals – made up 80% of its total exports in 2006-2008 
and accounted for 82.9% of China's imports from Singapore. Other major imports from Singapore were plastics (11.4% of its imports from Singapore). 
1.6.  By the period 2010-12 there was very little change in this overall structure of trade. Of 
China's four largest export categories, which remained machinery, textiles, base metals and 
miscellaneous (accounting for 68% of its exports), Singapore's imports from China were dominated by machinery although its share had de clined from 66% to 61%; the share of minerals 
had increased from 6% to 9%. Similarly, there was little change in the structure of China's imports 
from Singapore: globally machinery, minerals, chemicals and base metals account for 76% of Singapore's exports, and 90% of China's imports from Singapore with the share of machinery and 
plastics having dropped from respectively 59% to 49% and from 12% to 10% but the share of 
minerals having increased from 13% to 20%, chemicals from 9% to 12%. WT/REG262/1 
 
- 6 - 
 
 Chart 1.2a China and Singapore: product composition of merchandise trade, annual 
average (2006-2008) 
56
16119333China imports from Singapore (%)
39
198776438China's Global Imports (%)
53
158333312Singapore's Global Exports (%)
6596333227Singapore's imports from China (%)
46
235553229Singapore's Global Imports(%)
43
131065433328China's Global Exports(%)Total: US$ 18 billion Total: US$ 960 billion
Total: US$ 274 billionTotal: US$ 1,207 billionTotal:  US$ 303 billion
Total: US$ 31 billion
Footwear
Precious 
stonesBase 
metals
VehiclesOptical
OtherMiscellaneousMachineryTextiles Minerals
Chemicals
Plastics
 
Source: UNSD, Comtrade database. 
Chart 1.2b China and Singapore: product composition of merchandise trade, annual 
average (2010-2012) 
49
20121045China imports from Singapore (%)
32
2477655329China's Global Imports (%)
45
18944332211Singapore's Global Exports (%)
61
984332227Singapore's imports from China (%)
39
3154433227Singapore's Global Imports(%)
43
127665433228China's Global Exports(%)Total: US$ 27 billion Total: US$ 1,653 billion
Total: US$ 352 billionTotal: US$ 1,842 billionTotal:  US$ 390 billion
Total: US$ 37 billion
Vegetables Chemicals
Plastics Footwear
Wood pulpPrecious stones
Base metals VehiclesOptical
Other
Articles of stone, plaster, cementPrepared 
foodsMachinery Textiles
Minerals
 
 
Source: UNSD, Comtrade database. 
 WT/REG262/1 
 
- 7 - 
 
  
1.2  Trade in services and investment 
1.7.  With respect to commercial services, in 2012 China was Singapore's fifth largest export 
market and fourth largest source of import (res pectively 4.6% and 4.3% of Singapore's exports 
and imports).
2 Chart 1.3 shows the breakdown of commercial services trade for China and 
Singapore in 2000 - 2012. During this period, China has run a constant trade deficit in these services. The top three categories for both ex ports and imports were: other business services, 
transportation services, and travel services. Singapore has also had a constant trade deficit in 
these services during the same period. Its exports and imports of commercial services are dominated by transportation and other business services. The main contributors to both exports and import of services during this period have  been transportation; and communication and other 
business services. 
Chart 1.3 China and Singapore trade in services with world, 2000-2012 
050100150200250300
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012A. China imports from world
2000-2012
(US$ billion) 
020406080100120140160180200
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012B. China exports to world
2000-2012
(US$ billion) 
050100150
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012C. Singapore imports from world
2000-2012
(US$ billion) 
050100150
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012D.Singapore exports  to world
2000-2012
(US$ billion) 
Transportation services
Travel
Communications services
ConstructionFinancial services
Computer and information 
servicesRoyalties and license fees
Other business services
Personal, cultural and 
recreational servicesInsurance services
 
Note: Singapore does not have trade data for Communication services (2009-2012) and Computer and 
information services (2009-2012). 
 Source: UNCTAD.  
1.8.  Bilateral trade in services, based on data  provided by Singapore are shown in Chart 1.4 
below. In its trade with China, Singapore had a trade surplus in both 2006 and 2007. Both its exports to and imports from China of commercial services are dominated by transportation 
services and communication and other business services. Bilateral statistics on services trade from 
China are not available. 
                                               
2 WTO International Trade Statistics, 2008. WT/REG262/1 
 
- 8 - 
 
 Chart 1.4 Singapore, bilateral commercial services trade with China, 2006-2007 
0.00.51.01.52.02.53.03.54.04.55.0
2006 20070.00.51.01.52.02.53.03.54.04.55.0
2006 2007Exports Imports
Transportation servicesUS$ billion
Construction servicesFinancial services
Computer and information services
Insurance servicesPersonal, cultural and 
recreational services
Communication and other business servicesUS$ billion
Royalties and license fees
 
Note: Exchange rates (Singaporean dollar to US dollar) - 1.59 S$ per US$(2006), and 1.51 S$ per US$ 
(2007). 
 Source: WTO Secretariat based on data supplied by Singapore. 
 
1.9.  The Parties' global investment position is depicted in Chart 1.5. With stocks of over US$800 billion in 2012, China remains an important net recipient of direct investment from the 
world. Nevertheless, outward FDI from China wh ich was less than US$30 billion in 2000 has also 
gradually increased particularly since 2004, reaching US$500 billion in 2012. Both FDI inflows have increased steadily during the period, although inflows in particular have been more volatile since 
2008. Singapore is also a major recipient of FDI, with stocks at US$700 billion in 2012. Stocks of 
outward investment have also grown during the period although at a slower pace than inward stocks since 2007. In terms of flows, there was a sharp decline in both inflows and outflows in 
2008 since when inflows in particular have picked up again.  
Chart 1.5 China and Singapore: FDI stock and flow with world 
0100200300400500600700800900
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012China FDI stock with world,
2000-2012
(US$ billion) 
Outward
Inward
020406080100120140
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012China FDI flow with world,
2000-2012
(US$ billion) 
Outward
Inward
0100200300400500600700800
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012Singapore FDI stock with world, 
2000-2012
(US$ billion) 
Outward
Inward
-100102030405060
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012Singapore FDI flow with world, 
2000-2012
(US$ billion) 
Outward
Inward
 
Source: UNCTAD. WT/REG262/1 
 
- 9 - 
 
  
1.10.  Bilateral FDI data provided by Singapore (Chart 1.6) shows that Singapore is a net investor 
in China despite steady growth in both inward  and outward investment during 2006-08. In 2008 
Singapore's FDI stock in China was almost US$40 billion, rising to almost US$68 billion by the end 
of 2011, significantly higher than China's US$3 billion stock in Singapore in 2008 and almost 
US$12 billion in 2011.
3 
Chart 1.6 Singapore, inward and outward fo reign direct investment stock with China, 
2006-2008 
012345
2006 2007 2008010203040
2006 2007 2008Inward OutwardUS$ billion US$ billion
 
Note: Exchange rates (Singaporean dollar to US dollar) - 1.59 S$ per US$(2006), 1.51 S$ per US$ (2007), 
and 1.41 S$ per US$ (2008). 
 Source: WTO Secretariat based on data supplied by Singapore. 
 
2  CHARACTERISTIC ELEMENTS OF THE AGREEMENT 
2.1  Background Information 
2.1.  The Agreement was signed by the Parties on 23 October 2008 and entered into force on 
1 January 2009. 
2.2.  The goods and services aspects of the Agreem ent were notified to the WTO by the Parties on 
2 March 2009 under Article XXIV:7(a) of the GATT 1994, and Article V:7(a) of the GATS, 
respectively (document WT/REG262/N/1 and S/C/N/48 3). The text of the Agreement is available, 
together with its related Annexes, on the following official websites: 
China:    http://fta.mofcom.gov.cn/article/zhengwugk/200810/266_1.html  
 
Singapore:   http://www.fta.gov.sg/ fta_csfta.asp?hl=27  
 
2.3.  The Agreement is composed of 14 Chapters and has related Annexes (on tariff elimination, 
product specific rules of origin, certificates of origin, TBT and SPS contact points, specific commitments in services, movement of natural persons and rules and procedures for arbitral 
proceedings) and side letters (qualification recognition and salary requirements) (Box 2.1): 
 
                                               
3 Singapore's cumulative investment in China at end of 2011 were S$85.2 billion and China's cumulative 
investment in Singapore were S$14.7 billion (information provided by Singapore). The exchange rate used for 2011 is US$1 = S$1.58 (IMF, International Financial Statistics, period average). WT/REG262/1 
 
- 10 - 
 
 
Box 2.1: Composition of the Agreement 
Chapters Title/description 
Chapter 1 Initial Provisions 
Chapter 2 General Definitions 
Chapter 3 Trade in Goods 
Chapter 4 Rules of Origin 
Chapter 5 Customs Procedures 
Chapter 6 Trade Remedies 
Chapter 7 Technical Barriers to Trade/Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures 
Chapter 8 Trade in Services 
Chapter 9 Movement of Natural Persons 
Chapter 10 Investment 
Chapter 11 Economic Co-operation 
Chapter 12 Dispute Settlement 
Chapter 13 Exceptions 
Chapter 14 General and Final Provisions 
Source: Free Trade Agreement be tween China and Singapore. 
 
3  TRADE IN GOODS 
3.1  Import duties and charges,  and quantitative restrictions 
3.1.1  General provisions 
3.1.  Each party accords national treatment to the goods from the other Party in accordance with 
Article III of the GATT 1994 which is incorporated  into and became part of the Agreement 
(Article 5). 
3.2.  Except as otherwise provided for in the Agreement, the Parties agreed not to increase any 
existing duty or introduce a new customs duty on an originating good of the other Party (Article 6.3). Upon request by a Party, the Parties shall consult to consider accelerating the 
elimination of customs duties on goods in their tariff elimination schedules in Annex 1 (Article 7.1). 
The Parties may also unilaterally accelerate the elimination of customs duties on goods from the other Party listed in Annex 1 subject to an indication as early as practicable before the new rate of customs duty takes effect (Article 7.3). 
3.3.  The Parties agreed not to maintain either quantitative restrictions or non-tariff measures on 
imports of any goods from the other Party which are inconsistent with their rights and obligations under the WTO Agreement or other provisions of the Agreement (Articles 8.1 and 8.2). The 
adoption of any non-tariff measures on imports of any goods from the other Party is not allowed 
(Article 8.2). Although not explicitly stated in the Agreement, the Parties indicate that the adoption of any new quantitative restrictions is not permitted. 
3.1.2  Liberalization of trade and tariff lines 
3.4.  Trade in goods under the Agreement is classified under the 2007 nomenclature of the 
Harmonized System (HS). Tariff reductions or el imination under the Agreement are linked to those 
under the Framework Agreement on Comprehe nsive Economic Cooperation between the 
Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN ) and China (ASEAN-China FTA). The tariff lines 
that are subject to tariff reductions or elimin ation under the Agreement are identical with those 
covered under the "normal track" in the ASEAN-China FTA. Under the Agreement, Singapore 
liberalized the lines it maintains under the "sensitive track" in the ASEAN-China FTA. In 
comparison, China does not liberalize those products it categorizes under the "sensitive track" in the ASEAN-China FTA (Article 6).  WT/REG262/1 
 
- 11 - 
 
  
3.5.  Under Article 3 of the ASEAN-China FTA, MFN tariffs on products placed under the "normal 
track" are to be gradually reduced and eliminated in accordance with the modalities in Annex 1, whereas products under the "sensitive track" are to  be reduced or, where applicable, eliminated in 
accordance with the modalities in Annex 2. Under the review provisions of the ASEAN-China FTA 
the parties were to improve market access for sensitive products in 2008. According to the Parties such a review is under way and has yet to be finalized.   
3.6.  The elimination of tariffs applicable betw een the Parties is scheduled in Parts A and B of 
Annex 1, for China and Singapore, respectively . Singapore eliminates customs duties on all 
products originating in China upon the date of entry into force of the Agreement. China's tariff elimination and/or reduction commitment vis-à-vis  Singapore began upon entry into force, based 
on the applied MFN tariff in 2008. Subsequent reductions in duty take place on 1 January of the 
given year. 
3.7.  The overall tariff elimination under the Agr eement is depicted in Tables 3.1.A and 3.1.B. 
Table 3.1A shows tariff reduction commitments  by China under the Agreement. When the 
Agreement entered into force in 2009, around 8.3% of China's tariff was duty-free on an MFN basis, corresponding to 46.3% of China's total average imports from Singapore during 2006-
2008.
4 In 2009 China liberalized a further 8.9% of its tariff for imports from Singapore, in addition 
to 50.7% of the tariff liberalized as per its co mmitments under the ASEAN-China Agreement. This 
was followed by further liberalization in 2010 of  around 25.9% of the tariff, and 0.8% under 
ASEAN-China. As a result of full implementation of  the Agreement by China, 425 lines or 5.4% of 
the tariff) remain dutiable, corresponding to arou nd 3% of China's imports from Singapore during 
2006-08. 
Table 3.1A Tariff reduction commitments under the Agreement and corresponding 
average trade   
A. China 
Duty phase-out 
period Number of 
lines % of total lines in 
China's tariff 
schedule Value of China's 
imports from 
Singapore 
 (2006-2008) 
in million US$ % of China's total 
imports from 
Singapore 2006-
2008 
MFN duty free 
(2009) 656 8.3 8,492.8 46.3 
China-Singapore  
2009 710 9.0 2,071.2 11.3 
2010 2,029 25.8 2,980.4 16.3 
ASEAN-China  
2009 3,987 50.7 4,234.7 23.1 
2010 61 0.8 11.2 0.1 
Remain dutiable 425 5.4 549.5 3.0 
Total 7,868 100.0 18,339.9 100.0 
Note: Based on the HS 2007 nomenclature. 
  Source:  WTO estimates based on data  provided by China and WTO-IDB. 
 
3.8.  Table 3.1.B shows Singapore's duty elimination in terms of tariff lines and trade, applied to 
China. Before the entry into force of the Agreemen t 8,294 tariff lines (99.9% of Singapore's tariff) 
                                               
4 In 2009 China's applied MFN tariff at the HS eight digit level consisted of 7,868 lines. Of these 99.38% 
have ad valorem  rates of tariff, 44 tariff lines have specific  rates of duty and 5 lines have other duties 
(ad valorem  if the import is below a certain value and compound if above a certain value). WT/REG262/1 
 
- 12 - 
 
 were already duty-free on an MFN basis.
5 The remaining six tariff lines were liberalized as of the 
entry into force of the Agreement, resulting in th e liberalization of 100% of trade and tariff lines. 
Table 3.1B Tariff reduction commitments under the Agreement and corresponding 
average trade  
B. Singapore 
Duty phase-out 
period Number of 
lines % of total lines 
in Singapore's 
tariff schedule Value of Singapore's 
imports from China 
 (2006-2008) 
in million US$ % of 
Singapore's 
total imports 
from China 
2006-2008 
MFN duty free (2009)  8,294 99.9 31,259.9 99.97 
2009 6 0.1 8.7 0.03 
Total 8,300 100.0 31,268.6 100.0 
 
Source:  WTO estimates based on data provided by Singapore.  
3.1.3  China's liberalization schedule 
3.9.  Table 3.2 below shows tariff liberalization  by China under the Agreement (and under the 
ASEAN-China FTA) by broad HS Section, while Ch art 3.1 compares average preferential and MFN 
rates of duties for those chapters where duties remain after the Agreement (and the ASEAN-China 
FTA) is implemented. While the bulk of tariff liberalization took place under the ASEAN-China FTA 
in 2009 and 2010, the Agreement further liberalized tariffs across most HS Sections especially in 
2009 upon entry into force of the Agreement. On ce the Agreement is implemented tariffs will 
remain for imports from Singapore in HS Sect ions II-VII, IX-XI and XV-XVII. The average 
preferential tariff ranges from 6.7% in HS Section X (wood and wooden articles) to 48.9% in 
Section II (vegetable products). Chart 3.1 shows that tariffs remain across several HS Chapters 
and with the exception of Chapters 40 and 85 are equivalent to the MFN average rate for those 
lines; thus no preferential liberalization of tari ff lines remaining subject to duty takes place under 
the Agreement except under these two Chapters. The highest average tariffs are found in HS 
Chapters 10 (62%), 17 and 31 (50%), 11 (46.5%) and 51 (38%). 
Table 3.2 China: Tariff reduction und er the Agreement, by HS section  
HS  
section MFN 
average 
% Total No. 
of lines MFN 
2009 
duty-
free Duty free lines under the 
Agreement 
Remain 
dutiable 
Avg. Final 
Tariff 
(Dutiable) 2009 2010 CS 
FTA 
AC 
FTA 
CS 
FTA 
AC 
FTA 
I 12.3 370 44  333     
II 14.4 467 49 5 268 107 8 30 48.9 
III 13.1 54  4 12 27  11 8.9 
IV 18.0 285 1 50 52 154 6 22 30.0 
V 3.7 200 37 2 151 5  5 7.8 
VI 6.5 1,184 9 57 1,043 73 9 30 20.5 
VII 9.4 269 1 73 142 44  9 11.4 
VIII 12.3 106  4 50 52    
IX 4.4 202 74 38 30 3  57 7.5 
X 5.3 160 35 1 6   118 6.7 
XI 11.5 1,128  30 344 729 1 24 20.5 
XII 17.9 69  4 14 51    
XIII 13.5 186 1 14 50 121    
XIV 10.0 84 32 11 25 16    
XV 7.4 737 4 62 539 108 22 2 10.0 
XVI 8.3 1,443 273 245 679 212 12 27 18.3 
XVII 13.2 345 1 55 103 96 3 87 17.8 
XVIII 10.1 322 31 42 144 105    
XIX 13.0 21    21    
                                               
5 Singapore's applied MFN tariff in 2009 is composed of 8,300 lines at the HS 8-digit level. 99.9% of the 
tariff has ad valorem  rates of duty. All the remaining six lines are subject to specific rates of duty. WT/REG262/1 
 
- 13 - 
 
  
HS  
section MFN 
average 
% Total No. 
of lines MFN 
2009 
duty-
free Duty free lines under the 
Agreement 
Remain 
dutiable 
Avg. Final 
Tariff 
(Dutiable) 2009 2010 CS 
FTA 
AC 
FTA 
CS 
FTA 
AC 
FTA 
XX 11.6 178 62 13 1 99  3 10.0 
XXI 9.6 9 2  1 6    
Total 9.8 7,819 656 710 3,987 2,029 61 425 15.8 
  
Note: For the calculation of averages, specific rates are excluded and the ad valorem  parts of alternate 
rates are included. 
 Based on the HS 2007 nomenclature.  CSFTA =Preferential tariffs given to Singapore und er the China-Singapore FTA; ACFTA=Preferential 
tariffs given to Singapore under the ASEAN-China FTA. 
 Source: WTO estimates based on data  provided by China and WTO-IDB. 
 
Chart 3.1 China: Average of du tiable rates, by HS Chapter 
 010203040506070
9 1 01 11 51 72 02 4Average rate of duty 
(%)HS 1-24
010203040506070
27 28 29 31 37 39 40 44 48 49 51 52 54 55 83 84 85 87 89 94Average rate of duty 
(%)HS 25-97
HS 
ChapterHS 
Chapter
MFN Preferential
 
 
Note: For the calculation of averages, specific rates are excluded and the ad valorem parts of alternate 
rates are included. 
 
Source: WTO Secretariat estimates based on th e data provided by China and the WTO-IDB. 
 
3.1.4  Singapore's liberalization schedule 
3.10.  Table 3.3 shows Singapore's tariff elimination commitments vis-à-vis China by HS section 
product categories. At entry into force of the Agr eement, all but six of Singapore's tariff lines, WT/REG262/1 
 
- 14 - 
 
 relating to beer and alcohol products, were duty-free on an MFN basis. Duties on these six lines 
were eliminated as of the date of entry into force of the Agreement.
6 
Table 3.3 Singapore: Tariff reduction under the Agreement, by HS section  
HS section and description MFN average%  Total No. of lines  MFN 2009 
duty-free Number 
of duty-
free lines 
2009 
I Live animals and animal  products 0.0 344 344  
II Vegetable products 0.0 391 391  
III Animal or vegetable fats  and oils 0.0 150 150  
IV Prepared foods etc. 0.0 386 380 6 
V Minerals 0.0 198 198  
VI Chemicals and chemical 
products 0.0 1,098 1,098  
VII Plastics and rubber 0.0 392 392  
VIII Hides and skins 0.0 84 84  
IX Wood and articles 0.0 136 136  
X Pulp, paper etc. 0.0 224 224  
XI Textiles and textiles articles 0.0 928 928  
XII Footwear, headgear 0.0 63 63  
XIII Articles of stone 0.0 185 185  
XIV Precious stones, etc. 0.0 75 75  
XV Base metals and base metals 
products 0.0 825 825  
XVI Machinery 0.0 1,805 1,805  
XVII Transport equipment 0.0 427 427  
XVIII Precision equipment 0.0 339 339  
XIX Arms and ammunition 0.0 28 28  
XX Misc. manufactured articles 0.0 212 212  
XXI Works of art, etc. 0.0 10 10  
Total 0.0 8,300 8,294 6 
 
Source: WTO estimates based on data provided by Singapore. 
 
3.2  Tariff rate quotas 
3.11.  Neither Party maintains tariff  rate quotas under the Agreement. 
3.3  Rules of origin 
3.12.  Disciplines regarding rules of origin and customs procedures are set out in Chapters 4 and 
5, respectively. Articles 10-22 deal with the rules of origin, while Articles 23-36 cover other customs-related issues. 
3.13.  The general requirement for a good to be considered originating (Article 11) is that it: i) is 
wholly obtained or produced as set out and defined in Article 12; or ii) is not wholly obtained or 
produced in the territory of the exporting Party, but has satisfied requirements of regional value 
content (Article 13), cumulative rule of origin (Article 14) or product specific rules (Article 15 and 
Annex 2) where applicable. 
3.14.  A minimum regional value of 40% of materials exported from one Party to another is 
allowed in the final good for it to be considered originating. This regional value content rule is not 
subject to the goods listed in Annex 2.A for which product specific rules are applicable 
(Article 13.2) Annex 2.A lists nine products at the HS six-digit level that are to be considered originating only if they meet the relevant criterion therein. Annex 2.B lists 518 products at the HS six-digit level for which either the regional value content rule or alternative rules indicated 
therein can be chosen by exporters. The alternative rules allow a change in tariff classification 
(CTC) on the basis of HS chapter, or headings or su bheadings (i.e. at the HS four or six-digit level) 
for some products in HS chapters 16, 30, 39, 41-43, 64 and 72 (Annex 2.B.1). In addition, for 
some textiles and textile products in HS chapters 52 and 60-63, products shall be considered 
originating if they result exclusively from the processes set out in Annex 2.B.2.  
                                               
6 HS22030010; 22030090; 22089010; 22089020; 22089030; and 22089040. WT/REG262/1 
 
- 15 - 
 
  
3.15.  Bilateral cumulation between the Parties is  possible (Article 14). Article 16 establishes a 
de minimis  principle whereby a product is considered to be originating if the value of all 
non-originating materials used in its production that do not undergo CTC or fulfil any other 
condition in Annex 2 (product specific rules) is no more than 10% of the free on board (FOB) value 
of the product, and the good satisfies all ot her applicable requirements of Chapter 4. 
3.16.  Article 17 lists non-qualifying operations which do not confer origin. Articles 19-22 define 
how certain materials (packing; accessories, spare parts and tools; fungible products and 
materials; and neutral elements) are to be treated/valued when determining their origin. Article 18 allows direct transport and transport through non-Parties provided that: i) the product in question is not traded in the non-Parties; ii) there is no operation besides unloading, reloading, or any 
operation to preserve the product's good condition; and iii) the transit entry is justified for 
geographical reasons or exclusively for transporta tion requirements. Even when the sales invoice 
is issued either by a company in a non-Party or  by an exporter in the exporting Party for the 
account of the company in a non-Party, the importing Party shall accept the certificate of origin, 
provided that the product satisfies the requirements of Chapter 4 (Article 36).  
3.17.  Decisions on the application of prefer ential treatment under the Agreement, can be 
appealed by importers and subject to administrative  and judicial reviews pursuant to the Parties' 
domestic laws and regulations (Article 34). 
3.4  Export duties and charges,  and quantitative restrictions 
3.18.  The Parties agree not to adopt or maintain  any non-tariff measure on the export of any 
good destined for the other Party, except in acco rdance with their rights and obligations under the 
WTO Agreement, or other provisions of the Agreement (Article 8.2).  
3.5  Regulatory provisions on trade in goods 
3.5.1  Sanitary and Phytosanitary Meas ures and Technical Barriers to Trade 
3.19.  Chapter 7 governs both sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS) and technical barriers 
to trade (TBT). While the Parties reaffirm their existing rights and obligations under the WTO 
Agreements on SPS and TBT (Article 48), the Chapter does not affect the Parties' rights and 
obligations under those WTO Agreements (Article 57.2.(e)).  
3.20.  The Parties are not obliged to recognize SPS measures or the standards or technical 
regulations of the other Party as equivalent (Article 57.2.(d)) The Chapter allows the Parties to 
take measures when they consider that the products concerned may not conform with their 
technical regulations and SPS measures. The measures may include i) withdrawing the products from the market, ii) prohibiting their placement on the market, iii) restricting their free movement, 
iv) initiating a product recall, v) commencing legal proceedings, or otherwise vi) preventing the 
recurrence of such problems including through a ban on imports. When a Party takes such measures, it must notify the affected Party within 15 working days of taking the measures 
indicating the reasons for taking the measures (Article 57.2.(c)).  
3.21.  The Parties have agreed to strengthen th e exchange of information and cooperation, such 
as quality and safety controls of products, appr oval procedures and processing period for food 
establishments, and technical regulations, standards and conformity assessment procedures 
(Article 50.1) with further subjects to be added upon request from any Party (Article 50.2). 
3.22.  The Joint Working Group on SPS and TBT is to be established within one year following the 
entry into force of the Agreement (Article 55.1). The Parties indicate that the first Joint Working 
Group on SPS and TBT was convened on 12 Octobe r 2012 during the third meeting of the Review 
of the Agreement. The Working Group inter alia , addresses any issue and dispute arising from the 
implementation of the Chapter and its Annexes; an d ensure that the Parties' relevant regulatory 
authorities negotiate the priority issues, in particular, mutual recognition of conformity assessment 
procedures for electrical and electronic equipmen t, regionalization, and mutual recognition of WT/REG262/1 
 
- 16 - 
 
 conformity assessment procedures for telecommunications equipment and equivalence 
(Article 55). 
3.23.  Other provisions define usage of international standards (Article 51), favourable 
consideration toward the equivalence of each other's regulations and procedures which are 
consistent with the purpose of the Chapter and the WTO relevant Agreements (Article 53), 
transparency (Article 54), and confidentiality (Article 56). The Parties' contact points for SPS and TBT are the Chinese General Administration of Qu ality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, 
and the Singaporean Ministry of Trade and Industry (Annex 4).  
3.24.  Based on Article 6 of the WTO Agreement on SPS, the Parties have further developed a 
system for adapting regional conditions relating to their bilateral trade in agricultural products (Article 49). Any requests from the exporting Party to the importing Party to recognize its 
pest-free or disease-free status in all or part of its territory must be considered favourably. 
Following an assessment, the pest or disease-free status of the exporting Party can be recognized by the importing Party and the products can be im ported in accordance with its SPS requirements. 
In the case that the importing Party considers that there is a risk of a disease or pest outbreak in a 
part or parts of the exporting Party, the importing Party may request the exporting Party to reaffirm its disease or pest free status, and take specific eradication and control measures to 
ensure that the products meet the SPS requirements of the importing Party (Article 49).  
3.25.  While recognizing the differences in thei r legal systems on conformity assessment, the 
Parties agree to discuss the possibility of mutu al recognition of conformity assessment in 
accordance with the WTO TBT Agreement (Article 52.1).  
3.26.  With this aim, the Parties shall exchange  information on conformity assessment procedures 
including testing, inspection, certification, accreditation and metrology (Article 52.2). Any request by a Party to the other to recognize the conf ormity assessment procedures conducted by its 
bodies, shall be considered favourably through a mutual recognition agreement or arrangement 
(Article 52.3). No such requests have been made according to the Parties. 
3.5.2  Safeguard mechanisms 
3.5.2.1  Global safeguards 
3.27.  A Party taking a safeguard measure pursuant to Article XIX of GATT 1994 and the WTO 
Agreement on Safeguards may exclude the imports from the other Party if such imports are non-injurious (Article 42) based on the definition of injury provided in Article 37(a) and (b) of 
Chapter 6. Article 43.8 further directs the Parties not to simultaneously take WTO Safeguard 
measures and bilateral safeguard measures. 
3.5.2.2  Bilateral safeguards 
3.28.  The WTO Agreement on Safeguards, with the exception of quantitative restrictions in 
Article 5 of the Agreement, and Articles 9 (Dev eloping Country Members), 13 (Surveillance), and 
14 (Dispute Settlement), applies mutatis mutandis  to the Agreement (Article 43.3) and the Parties 
reaffirm their rights and obligations under Article XIX of the GATT 1994 (Article 38). 
3.29.  The Parties are free to invoke bilateral safe guards on a product within the transition period 
which is defined as from the date of entry into force of the Agreement until five years after the completion of tariff elimination for that product (Article 43.1). 
3.30.  As a result of the reduction or elimination of customs duties under the Agreement, if a good 
originating in one Party is imported by the other party in such increased quantities, in absolute terms or relative to domestic products, and under such conditions that the imports constitute a 
"substantial" cause of serious injury, or threat thereof, to a domestic industry producing like or 
directly competitive products, it may apply a bilateral safeguard measure, to the extent of the MFN applied rate at the time when the measure is ta ken (Article 43.2). However, the measure shall not 
be applied if its share of the total imports of th e product concerned in the importing Party does not 
exceed 3% (Article 43.4).  WT/REG262/1 
 
- 17 - 
 
  
3.31.  Bilateral safeguards may be maintained for an initial period of up to three years and can be 
extended for further one year.
7 Notwithstanding this general principle, the measure shall be 
terminated at the end of the transition period for that product (Article 43.5). 
3.32.  Compensation for applying a measure shall be provided to the exporting Party (compared to 
the "endeavour" provision in Article 8 of the WTO Agreement on Safeguards) in the form of concessions on customs duties that have substantially equivalent trade effects or equivalent to the 
value of the additional duties expected from the measure. If compensation cannot be agreed 
within 45 days from the initiation of consultations on compensation, the exporting Party may take action on any products from the importing Party that has trade effects substantially equivalent to the measure taken by the importing Party. However, the action by the exporting Party shall be 
taken only for the minimum period necessary to achieve the substantially equivalent effects, and 
in any event, only while the measure by the importing Party is being applied (Article 43.7). 
3.5.2.3  Special safeguards 
3.33.  The Agreement contains no specific provisions on special safeguards. 
3.5.2.4  Balance of payments safeguards 3.34.  The Parties may take measures to safeguard their balance of payments and external 
financial difficulties or threat thereof, in accordance with Article XII of the GATT 1994 and the 
Understanding on Balance-of-Payments Provisions of GATT 1994. In determining the safeguards measures, the Parties may give priority to economic sectors that are considered to be more essential for their economic or development prog rammes. Such measures shall not be adopted or 
maintained to protect a particular sector (Art icle 107.3). The Party taking or changing any 
measures shall promptly notify the other Party (Article 107.4). 
3.5.3  Anti-dumping 
3.35.  The Parties reaffirm their rights and obligations under the WTO Agreement on the 
Implementation of Article VI of the GATT 1994 (Art icle 38) and they may take anti-dumping action 
in a non-arbitrary or non-protectionist manner. The Party which has received and accepted a 
request from its industry for the initiation of an anti-dumping investigation on products from the 
other Party shall inform the contact point of the other Party (Article 40.2).  
3.5.4  Subsidies and countervailing measures 3.36.  Reaffirming their rights and obligatio ns under the WTO Agreement on Subsidies and 
Countervailing Measures (Article 38), the Parties ag ree not to introduce or maintain any form of 
export subsidies on goods exported to the other Party (Article 41). 
3.5.5  Other regulations 
3.37.  The Parties may maintain or establish a state trading enterprise in accordance with 
Article XVII of the GATT 1994 (Article 9). 
4  TRADE IN SERVICES 
4.1  Scope and definitions 
4.1.  A Party's measures affecting trade in services are mainly governed by Chapter 8, which 
covers GATS modes of supply 1 (cross-border), 2 (consumption abroad), 3 (commercial presence) 
and 4 (natural persons) (Article 59.(u)). Comme rcial presence means any type of business or 
professional establishment, including through: i) the constitution, acquisition (which according to 
                                               
7 Under the WTO Agreement on Safegu ards, the initial period for a meas ure shall not exceed four years 
and can be extended up to another four years so the maximum period of application of (global) safeguard 
measure is eight years (Article 7).  WT/REG262/1 
 
- 18 - 
 
 the Parties means acquiring over 50% of the equity  of a company) or maintenance of a juridical 
person; or ii) the creation or maintenance of a branch or a representative office, within the 
territory of a Party for the purpose of supplying a services (Article 59.(a)).  
4.2.  The Agreement does not apply to: i) serv ices supplied in the exercise of governmental 
authority; or regulations or requirements on gove rnment procurement of services in the exercise 
of non-commercial resale and use (Article 60.2); ii) subsidies or grants provided by a Party or to any conditions attached to its receipt or continued receipt of such subsidies or grants, except as 
otherwise specified in the Agreement, or a future development on the relevant provision from the 
GATS (Article XV) which will be incorporated into the Agreement (Article 60.3); iii) measures affecting air traffic  rights or measure affecting services directly related to the exercise of traffic 
rights other than measures affecting aircraft repair and maintenance, sales and marketing of air 
transport services, computer reservation system services (Article 60.4-5); and iv) measures 
pursuant to citizenship, nationality, residence or employment on a permanent basis (Article 79.2).
8 
4.2  Denial of benefits 
4.3.  A Party may deny the benefits of Chapter 8 to: i) a service supplier that is a juridical person, 
if the Party establishes that the service supplier is not from the other Party where the criteria for determining whether the service supplier is (or not) from the other Party if it is a juridical person 
with a presence in the other Part y and with substantive business operations there; ii) the supply of 
a service, if the service is supplied from or in the territory of a non-Party; and iii) the maritime transport service that is supplied by a vessel regi stered under the laws of a non-Party and by a 
person of a non-Party which operates and/or uses the vessel in whole or in part (Article 75). 
4.3  General provisions on trade in services 
4.3.1  Market access 4.4.  The market access provision is along the li nes of Article XVI of the GATS, providing that, 
where specific market access commitments are undertaken, six types of limitations cannot be 
maintained or adopted by the Parties, unless othe rwise specified in their schedules (Article 61).  
4.3.2  National and MFN treatment 
4.5.  Article 62 provides for a Party to accord to services and service suppliers to the other Party 
treatment no less favourable than it accords, to its own like services and service suppliers. The Article mirrors Article XVII of the GATS. Chapter 8 does not contain provisions on MFN treatment. 
4.3.3  Commercial presence 
4.6.  Chapter 8 has no specific provision on commercial presence, per se . The limitations on 
commercial presence on the subscribed services se ctors in the Parties' schedules of commitments 
are summarized in the section on liberalization commitments in this presentation. 
4.3.4  Movement of natural persons 
4.7.  The GATS Annex on the Movement of Natural Persons Supplying Services applies mutatis 
mutandis  to the Agreement (Article 76). A natural person of a Party is defined as a national or a 
permanent resident of a Party under its laws. Until China enacts its law on the treatment of 
permanent residents of foreign countries, the obligations of each Party with respect to the permanent residents of the other Party shall be limited to the extent of its obligations under the GATS (Article 59.(j)).  
4.8.  Chapter 9 and its related Annex 6 (commitments on temporary entry of natural persons) 
contain additional provisions on the movement of natural persons specifically those categorized as: i) business visitors; ii) contractual services suppliers; and iii) intra-corporate transferees 
                                               
8 Chapters 9 (movement of natural persons) and 10 (investment) also do not apply to measures 
pursuant to citizenship, national ity, residence or empl oyment on a permanent basis (Article 79.2). WT/REG262/1 
 
- 19 - 
 
  
(Article 79). Unlike Singapore, China limits the eligibility of Singaporean contractual service 
suppliers to nine sub-sectors: i) accounting services; ii) medical and dental services; iii) architectural services; iv) engineering services; v) urban planning services (except for general 
urban planning); vi) computer and related services; vii) construction and related engineering 
services; viii) education services; and ix) tourism services. For the provision of education services, contractual service suppliers from Singapore mu st have a bachelor's degree or above and 
appropriate professional titles or certificates, and a minimum of two years' work experience. The 
Chinese party involved in the educational services contract shall be a juridical person providing education services. China has also made a commitment allowing business visitors to stay up to six months in China (compared to 90 days in its GATS commitments). 
4.9.  Nothing in Chapters 8 (trade in serv ices), 9 (movement of natural persons) and 
10 (Investment) shall apply to measures pertaining to citizenship, nationality, or permanent residence or employment. Nothing in these chapters  will also prevent any Party, from applying 
measures to regulate the entry or temporary stay  of natural persons of the other Party in its 
territory provided such measures are not applied in a manner so as to impede or nullify the benefits accruing from the Agreement to the other Party (Article 79). In respect of the 
commitments on temporary entry in Annex 6, unless otherwise specified therein, the Parties 
cannot: i) require labour certification tests, labour market testing, economic needs testing or other procedures of similar effect; and ii) impose or maintain any numerical restriction (Article 81.4). To avoid unduly impairing or delaying trade in goods or services or investment activities under the 
Agreement, the Parties are committed to expeditiously process immigration applications (Article 
80). In addition, if a modification or an amendment of an immigration measure affecting the temporary entry of natural persons arises, the Parties shall ensure that such changes are promptly 
published and made available (Article 82).  
4.10.  The duration of temporary stay that each Party applies to the movement of other Party's 
natural persons, as well as other requirements applied by Singapore to Chinese natural persons in 
Singapore are summarized in Table 4.1 below.  
Table 4.1 Duration of temporary stay by a na tural person of a Party in the other Party 
and other requirements  
 China Singapore 
Business visitors 
(defined under  
Article 77.(a))  Maximum six months.  
 No indication of extension 
criteria.  For holders of five year multiple 
visas, initially 60 days with possibility for further 30 days upon request. 
 For holders of all other visas, 
initially 30 days with possibility for further 30 days upon request. 
Intra-corporate 
transferees 
(i.e. executive, 
manager or 
specialist) 
(defined under  
Article 77.(f))  Either period indicated in 
the contract or an initial 
stay of three years, 
whichever is shorter. 
 No indication of extension 
criteria.  Initially two year with possibility 
for up to eight years in total 
(compared to initial period of 
three years and five years in total 
under its GATS commitments). 
 Prior employment in the firm 
outside Singapore for minimum 
one year immediately preceding 
the date of their application for 
admission.  
Contractual service 
suppliers 
(defined under Article 
77.(b))  Duration of stay is subject 
to the duration of contract, but maximum one year.  
 No indication of extension 
criteria.  Initially 90 days with possibility for 
further 90 days provided that the total sum does not exceed 180 days or the length of the service contract, whichever is shorter. 
 Minimum one year employment by 
the service supplier or enterprise immediately preceding the date of application for admission. 
 Must be a manager, executive or 
specialist.  
 
Source:  Parts A and B, Annex 6 of the Agreement. WT/REG262/1 
 
- 20 - 
 
 4.11.  The Parties shall designate a contact point inter alia , to identify and recommend areas for 
and ways of increasing cooperation to promote the movement of natural persons (Article 83).
9 In 
this regard, the Parties signed a Memorandum on Labour Cooperation in 2008.  
4.4  Liberalization commitments 
4.12.  Each Party's schedule of commitments is  contained in Annex 5. The Annex follows a 
"positive-list approach" whereby the obligations of market access (Article 61), national treatment (Article 62) and additional commitments (Article 63) apply only to the sectors listed therein, 
subject to the limitations and conditions inscribed. The Parties agreed that the second package of 
services commitments between ASEAN and China, upon conclusion, would be incorporated into the Agreement (Article 64). According to the Parties the second package of ASEAN-China FTA services 
commitments was incorporated in the Agreement through the Amendment Protocol to the CSFTA 
signed in July 2010.
10 
4.13.  Regarding the format of scheduling specific commitments, unlike the GATS approach 
embodied in the GATS Article XX.2 in which meas ures that are inconsistent with both market 
access and national treatment provisions are inscr ibed only in the market access columns, such 
measures are entered in both columns in the Agreement (Article 64.2).  
4.4.1  China 
4.4.1.1  Horizontal commitments 
4.14.  China's horizontal commitments in the Agreement match those under the GATS except that 
the limitation on all existing subsidies to domestic services suppliers in audiovisual, aviation and medical services has been lifted under the Agreement.  In both the GATS and the Agreement, 
foreign invested enterprises in China include: i) wholly foreign-owned enterprises; and ii) joint 
venture enterprises which are either equity based or contractual joint ventures.  
4.4.1.2  Sector specific commitments 
4.15.  For business services, China has added a number of new commitments for: i) market 
research services; ii) services related to manage ment consulting on project management services 
other than for construction; iii) placement and supply services of personnel; iv) building-cleaning 
services; and v) printing of packaging materials, on a fee or contract basis (only limited to the 
printing of packaging materials). These services additional to those under its GATS commitments 
are provided by either joint ventures or wholly  foreign-owned enterprises. Singaporean software 
implementation services, real estate services (on a fee or contract basis) and translation and 
interpretation services providers, sub-sectors in which China only allows joint ventures with foreign 
majority ownership under its GATS schedule, enjoy improved mode 3 commitments under the Agreement as wholly foreign-owned enterprises will be allowed to enter China. Regarding real 
estate services involving own or leased property, the GATS schedule does not permit the 
establishment of wholly foreign-owned enterprises fo r high standard real estate projects (such as 
apartments and office buildings, excluding luxury hotels), whereas the Agreement does not contain 
such limitations.  
4.16.  For i) communication services, ii) constr uction and related engineering services, iii) 
distribution services, iv) educational services, v) financial services, and vi) tourism and travel related services, China's commitments in the Agreement match those under the GATS.  
4.17.  In environmental services (excluding environmental quality monitoring and pollution source 
inspection), China has permitted wholly foreign-owned enterprises, whereas its GATS commitments under mode 3 only permit joint ventures with foreign majority ownership. 
                                               
9 Singapore's contact point is the Office of the Director  of North East Asia Division, Ministry of Trade and 
Industry; China's contact point is the Department of International Trade and Economic Affairs, Ministry of 
Commerce. 
10 The second packages of services commitments  took effect in August 2011 (available at: 
http://www.fta.gov.sg/csfta/csfta_amendment_protocol_factsheet.pdf ). WT/REG262/1 
 
- 21 - 
 
  
4.18.  Health related and social services, a sect or in which China has no GATS commitments, is 
inscribed under the Agreement only to hospital services. Foreign equity in hospital services is permitted up to a maximum of 70% with a majority of doctors and medical staff in hospitals being 
Chinese. 
4.19.  For recreational, cultural and sporting services, a sector in which China has not made 
commitments under the GATS, sports event promotio n/organization services and sports facility 
operation services (excluding golf) have been inscribed under the Agreement, allowing wholly 
foreign-owned enterprises to provide these se rvices subject to economic needs tests.  
4.20.  China has undertaken commitments in transp ort services (maintenance and repair services 
of motor vehicles, and passenger transportation), sub-sectors for which it has no commitments in 
the GATS. Regarding limitations on mode 3 market access, it has permitted wholly foreign-owned 
subsidiaries to provide maintenance and repair services for motor vehicles, whereas only joint ventures with a maximum foreign investment of 49% are allowed to provide passenger 
transportation services, subject to economic need s tests. China has relaxed requirements on the 
form of establishment in mode 3 for computer reservation systems of air transport services; foreign service suppliers are permitted to establish joint ventures with the Chinese Computer 
Reservation System in China, currently 'unbound' in its GATS schedule.  
4.21.  Table 4.2 below summarizes China's specific commitments under Annex 5 of the Agreement 
and compares them to its GATS schedule, excluding mode 4 commitments. This table (as well as Table 4.3) has been based on the services sectoral classification list.
11 With respect to 
improvements of existing GATS commitments, th ese are represented by either a relaxation of 
requirements for the form of establishment und er mode 3 or further sub-sectors in which 
commitments are made (see paragraphs 68-73 for a detailed description of the changes). Like in 
the GATS, under the Agreement, China took no commitments in: i) research and development 
services; ii) postal services; iii) tourist guides services; iv) space services; and v) pipeline services. 
Table 4.2 China: comparison between the GATS and the Agreement specific 
commitments in trade in services (excluding mode 4)  
Sectors and subsectors GATS FTA 
1. BUSINESS SERVICES   
A. Professional services √ Same 
B. Computer and related services  √ Improved  
C. Research and development - - 
D. Real estate √ Improved  
E. Rental/Leasing serv ices without operators - - 
F. Other √ Improved  
2. COMMUNICATION SERVICES   
A. Postal - - 
B. Courier √ Same 
C. Telecommunication  √ Same 
D. Audiovisual √ Same 
E. Other - - 
3. CONSTRUCTION AND RELATED ENGINEERING SERVICES √ Same 
4. DISTRIBUTION SERVICES √ Same 
5. EDUCATION SERVICES √ Same  
6. ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES √ Improved  
7. FINANCIAL SERVICES   
A. All insurance and insu rance-related services √ Same 
B. Banking and other financial services √ Same 
8. HEALTH RELATED AND SOCIAL SERVICES - New  
9. TOURISM AND TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES   
A. Hotels an d restaurants √ Same 
                                               
11 MTN.GNS/W/120. WT/REG262/1 
 
- 22 - 
 
 
Sectors and subsectors GATS FTA 
B. Travel agencies and tour operators √ Same 
C. Tourist guides - - 
D. Other - - 
10. RECREATIONAL, CULTURAL AND SPORTING SERVICES - New 
11. TRANSPORT SERVICES   
A. Maritime √ Same 
B. Internal waterways √ Same 
C. Air  √ Improved  
D. Space - - 
E. Rail  √ Same 
F. Road √ Improved 
G. Pipeline - - 
H. Services auxiliary to all modes of transport √ Same 
I. Other - - 
12. OTHER SERVICES NOT INCLUDED ELSEWHERE - - 
Note: 
√:  Commitments in the GATS schedule. 
-:  No commitments either under the GATS or the Agreement. New:  New commitments made under the Agreement. Improved: Improved commitments made under the Agreement compared to those under the GATS. 
Same:  Same commitments made under the Agreement as those under the GATS. 
 
Source:   China's Schedule of Specific Commitments under the GA TS (S/DCS/W/CHN) and Part A of 
 Annex 5 of the Agreement. The comparison on ly concerns modes 1-3, market access and 
 national treatment, and additional commitments, it does not concern the issues of mode 4 and  subsidies.  
 
4.4.2  Singapore 
4.4.2.1  Horizontal commitments 4.22.  Singapore's horizontal commitments in th e Agreement match those under the GATS except 
that its mode 4 commitments are limited to th e intra-corporate transferees under the GATS, 
whereas under the Agreement it has added two categories, business visitors and contractual services suppliers. The period of stay for intr a-corporate transferees under mode 4 has been 
modified so that the Agreement allows an initial entry of two years which may be extended up to a 
total period of eight years, compared to an initia l stay of three years, extendable for a total term 
not exceeding five years under the GATS (see Table 4.1). Singapore inscribes inter-linked limitations between modes 3 and 4 subjecting business firms registered by foreigners to have a 
local manger and branches of foreign companies to have a minimum of two locally resident agents.  
4.4.2.2  Sector specific commitments 4.23.  For business services, under the Agreement Singapore has relaxed residency and 
registration requirements for public accountants in modes 1 and 3 for taxation services except for 
other tax-related services. Mode 3 limitations for architectural services have been relaxed in that local residence and certificates for directors of limited corporations is no longer required.  In 
engineering services, the registration requirement for directors of limited corporations has been 
relaxed in that it requires a minimum of 80% of directors to be registered as professional 
engineers or allied professionals (compared to 100% for all professional engineers or allied 
professionals under the GATS schedule) and regist ration requirements for directors in unlimited 
corporations has also been relaxed . Research and development services are further liberalized, 
with expanded coverage compared to the GATS in which only biotechnology services and industrial 
research are inscribed . Singapore has added a number of new commitments for: i) landscaping 
services, ii) real estate services, iii) rental/leasing services without operators, and iv) some other 
business services
12 mostly with full commitments in modes 1-3.  
                                               
12 Compared to its GATS schedule, the newly added other business services under the Agreement are: 
i) technical testing and analysis services; ii) services incidental to manufacturing; iii) placement and supply WT/REG262/1 
 
- 23 - 
 
  
4.24.  For communication services, under courier, telecommunications and audiovisual services, 
the only addition in the Agreement is store-and- forward, and store-and-retrieve services under 
value-added network services. Commitments in construction services are the same as under the 
GATS.  
4.25.  For distribution, education and enviro nmental services, for which Singapore has no 
commitments in the GATS, it has taken commitments. While Singapore reserves its right and 
maintains flexibility to modify and/or increase the list of products subject to import prohibition or 
non-automatic import licensing, it has made full commitments in mode 3 for all sub-sectors of distribution services, except retail sales of food, beverages and tobacco. Full commitments in modes 1-3 have been made for i) commission agents' services except for pharmaceutical and 
medical goods and cosmetics; ii) wholesale trade services except for pharmaceutical and medical 
goods and surgical and orthopaedic instruments; iii) sales of motor vehicles only
13; iv) retail sale 
of motor fuel; and v) franchising services. 
4.26.  For education services, education in traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese language training 
and educational testing services are included under other higher education services, adult education services, and other education services, with full commitments in modes 1-3 except that 
the number of persons pursuing medical degrees depends on the total supply of persons for other 
higher education services. There are no comm itments under the Agreement for primary and 
secondary education services. Under environmenta l services, Singapore has made commitments in 
sanitation and similar services, cleaning services of exhaust gases, and noise abatement services 
with no restrictions on modes 2 and 3. 
4.27.  In life and non-life insurance services, the restriction on the establishment of new 
representative offices has been relaxed in th at Singapore allows the establishment of new 
representative offices by new companies if they ar e established as branches or subsidiaries With 
respect to non-life insurance services, it requires the compulsory purchase of Motor Third Party Liability and Workmen's Compensation insurance only from licensed insurance companies in 
Singapore . Commitments on insurance intermediation comprising broking and agency services 
have been further liberalized in that ther e are commitments under the Agreement on the 
admission of direct insurance brokers as locally incorporated subsidiaries.  
4.28.  The coverage of sub-sectors under banking an d other financial services is identical with that 
under the GATS. For the acceptance of deposits  and other repayable funds from the public, a 
majority of the directors of a commercial bank incorporated in Singapore must be either its citizens or permanent residents, a limitation which is not inscribed in its GATS commitments . While the 
ceiling on the aggregate foreign ownership of each domestic commercial bank's shares has been 
removed, the limitation on foreign acquisition of shares in finance companies is more clearly defined than in its GATS schedule: a person in a finance company is allowed to acquire 
shareholdings or voting control of, or exceeding,  5%, 12% and 20% subject to approval from the 
Monetary Authority of Singapore. Mode 3 limitations in all types of lending, particularly relating to non-resident financial entities or non-residents, are more detailed than in its GATS schedule. As regards mode 3 limitations on market access of participation in issuing all kinds of securities, 
although new trading members will be permitte d in the Singapore Exchange (SGX-ST) for a 
minimum value of S$150,000, foreign acquisitions of new and existing equity interests in its member companies are unbound. Mode 3 limitations on asset management companies, custodial 
depositories, and trust services companies are relaxed by recognizing joint ventures as an 
additional form of legal entity for establishment to provide the services (apart from branches and 
subsidiaries inscribed in its GATS commitment). For activities relating to the use, including via 
investment, of monies from any social security, public retirement or statutory saving scheme, a 
new feature compared to its GATS commitments, the Central Depositary (Pte) Limited is authorized to provide securities custodial deposi tory services. Mode 3 in settlement and clearing 
services for exchange traded securities and financial futures is only permitted for the Central 
Depository (Pte) Limited and Singapore Exchange De rivatives Clearing Ltd, respectively. Only one 
                                                                                                                                               
services of personnel; iv) investigation and security; v) maintenance and repair of equipment (not including 
maritime vessels, aircraft or other transport equipment); vi) photographic  services; vii) packaging services; 
and viii) convention services.  
13 Wholesale trade services of motor vehicles, reta il sales of motor vehicles, sales or parts and 
accessories of motor vehicles, and sales of motorcyc les and snowmobiles and rela ted parts and accessories. WT/REG262/1 
 
- 24 - 
 
 clearing house established under the Banking Act may provide clearing services for Singapore 
dollar cheques and inter-bank fund transfers. 
4.29.  In health related and social services, in which Singapore has no commitment in the GATS, it 
has made commitments in: i) hospital services subject to limitations except in mode 2, with up to 
100% foreign equity ownership permitted; ii) acute care hospitals, nursing homes and 
convalescent hospitals with no restrictions on modes 2 and 3; and iii) other social services
14 
subject to mode 2 and 3 limitations, for example, on partially or totally state-funded non-profit 
service suppliers. 
4.30.  For tourism and travel related services, Singapore has expanded commitments in hotel 
services to other lodging services . The requirement that travel agencies and tour operators be 
private limited companies to enjoy mode 3 market  access, inscribed under its GATS schedule, has 
been lifted under the Agreement. Tourist guide serv ices in which it has limitations on national 
treatment in modes 1 and 3 under the GATS are no longer subject to such restrictions under the 
Agreement.  
4.31.  For recreational, cultural and sporting services, a sector in which it has partial commitments 
under the GATS, Singapore has broadened its co mmitments in the Agreement by adding: i) 
entertainment services; ii) archiving services ex cept for services specified under the National 
Heritage Board Act; iii) parks except for national parks, natural reserves an d public parks; and iv) 
sports and recreational services, except gambling and betting services with modes 1-315 
commitments. 
4.32.  Under transport services, maritime transport sub-sectors--international towage and 
classification societies (except for statutory services for Singapore flag ships), have been added. 
Additional transport sectors in which commit ments are made under the Agreement are air 
transport, covering selling and marketing of air tr ansport services; road transport, covering rental 
services, freight transportation, maintenance and repair services, and parking services; and 
pipeline transport, covering transportation of fuels. 
4.33.  Other new services not covered elsewhere are washing, cleaning and dyeing services; 
hairdressing and other beauty services; and fune ral, cremation and undertaker services except 
maintenance services of cemeteries, care of graves and graveyards, with no limitations under modes 2 and 3. 
4.34.  Table 4.3 below summarizes Singapore's specific commitments under Annex 5 of the 
Agreement and compares them with its GATS schedule excluding mode 4 commitments. With 
respect to improvements of existing GATS commitments, these represent either relaxed 
requirements for the form of establishment under  mode 3 or additional sub-sectors in which 
commitments have been made (see paragraphs 76 -85 for a detailed description of the changes). 
Like in the GATS, Singapore took no commitments in : i) postal services; ii) news agency services; 
iii) internal waterways; iv) space services; vi) rail services; and vii) services auxiliary to all modes 
of transport. 
Table 4.3 Singapore: comparison between the GATS and the Agreement specific 
commitments in trade in services (excluding mode 4)
 
Sectors and subsectors GATS FTA 
1. BUSINESS SERVICES   
A. Professional services √ Improved  
B. Computer and related services  √ Same 
C. Research and development √ Improved  
                                               
14 Other social services inscribed under the Agreem ent are: i) social services delivered through 
residential institutions for old persons, the handicapped, children and other clients; ii) child day-care services 
including day-care services for the ha ndicapped; iii) vocational rehabilit ation; iv) guidance  and counselling 
services not elsewhere classified related to children; v) welfare services not delivered through residential 
institutions; and vi) other social services without accommodation. 
15 Except mode 1 for sports and recreational serv ices, which is unbound due to lack of technical 
feasibility. WT/REG262/1 
 
- 25 - 
 
  
Sectors and subsectors GATS FTA 
D. Real estate - New 
E. Rental/Leasing serv ices without operators - New 
F. Other √ Improved  
2. COMMUNICATION SERVICES   
A. Postal - - 
B. Courier √ Same 
C. Telecommunication  √ Improved 
D. Audiovisual √ Same 
E. Other  - - 
3. CONSTRUCTION AND RELATED ENGINEERING SERVICES √ Same 
4. DISTRIBUTION SERVICES - New 
5. EDUCATION SERVICES - New 
6. ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - New 
7. FINANCIAL SERVICES   
A. All insurance and insu rance-related services √ Improved 
B. Banking and other financial services √ Improved 
8. HEALTH RELATED AND SOCIAL SERVICES - New  
9. TOURISM AND TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES   
A. Hotels an d restaurants √ Improved 
B. Travel agencies and tour operators √ Improved 
C. Tourist guides √ Improved 
D. Other - - 
10. RECREATIONAL, CULTURAL AND SPORTING SERVICES   
A. Entertainment - New 
B. News agency - - 
C. Libraries, archives, museum s and other cultural services √ Improved 
D. Sporting and other recreational services - New  
E. Other - - 
11. TRANSPORT SERVICES   
A. Maritime √ Improved 
B. Internal waterways - - 
C. Air  - New 
D. Space - - 
E. Rail  - - 
F. Road - New 
G. Pipeline - New 
H. Services auxiliary to all modes of transport - - 
I. Other - - 
12. OTHER SERVICES NOT INCLUDED ELSEWHERE - New 
Note: 
√:  Commitments in the GATS schedule. 
-:  No commitments either under the GATS or the Agreement. New:  New commitments made under the Agreement. Improved: Improved commitments made under the Agreement compared to those under the GATS. 
Same:  Same commitments made under the Agreement as those under the GATS.  Source:   Singapore's Schedule of Specific Commitments under the GATS (S/DCS/W/SGP) and Part B of 
 Annex 5 under the Agreement. The comparison only concerns modes 1-3 (excluding mode 4), 
 market access and national treatment, and additional commitments. 
 
4.5  Regulatory provisions on trade in services 
4.5.1  Domestic regulation 4.35.  Article 65 on domestic regulation is basically modelled on Article VI of the GATS. It 
authorizes the Parties to ensure that a reasonable, objective and impartial manner shall be 
adopted for all measures affecting trade in services. Compared to Article VI of the GATS, the WT/REG262/1 
 
- 26 - 
 
 Agreement further specifies requirements for the Parties' competent authorities to fulfil. For 
example, giving the applicant a second opportunity to resubmit an application when its application 
is terminated or denied (Article 65.3.(c)). The Parties have committed to jointly review the results of the negotiations under Article VI.4 of the GATS and aim at incorporating these into the 
Agreement (Article 65.4). 
4.5.2  Recognition 4.36.  Article 66 contains provisions on the recognition of standards and criteria for authorizing 
licensing, or certification of service suppliers which essentially mirror the provisions of GATS 
Article VII. In addition, under the Agreement the Parties not only may "recognize" as in the GATS, but also may "encourage to recognize" the standards or criteria above.  
4.37.  The relevant competent authorities cooperate to commence negotiations on areas for 
mutual recognition in accounting and auditing work  experience, qualifications and standards. The 
Parties indicate they are still working towards commencing work in these areas.  The Parties agree 
to commence negotiation on a mutual recognition arrangement (MRA) for architects and 
expanding the MRA to other architectural and engineering sectors and are working towards 
commencing work in these areas  (Article 67). A Joint Committee on Recognition Cooperation 
including a working group on accounting and auditing has been established (Article 68) . On 23 
October 2008, the Parties exchanged side letters  on recognition of academic medical degrees 
issued by two medical schools in Singapore and recognition of traditional Chinese medicine by two Chinese traditional medicine universities. In this  regard, the Singapore Medical Council currently 
recognizes eight medical schools in China and Singapore also recognizes degrees in Traditional 
Chinese Medicine awarded by eight institutions in China.
16  
 
4.5.3  Monopolies and exclusive service suppliers 
4.38.  The Agreement has a provision governing monopolies and exclusive service suppliers, which 
reproduces Article VIII 1-3 and 5 of the GATS (Article 69). Further, based on Article IX of the 
GATS, the Parties recognize the existence of restrict ed competition and trade in services caused by 
certain business practices of service suppliers other than monopolies and exclusive service 
suppliers and will conduct consultations with a view to eliminating such business practices (Article 70).  
4.5.4  Transfers/Balance of payment safeguard measures 
4.39.  The Parties agree not to apply restrictio ns on international transfers and payments for 
current transactions relating to their specific  commitments except where they are in serious 
balance of payments and external financial difficulties or threat thereof (Articles 72 and 107.1.(b)). 
As in the case for goods (paragraph 50 in this presentation), when determining the balance of 
payment safeguard measures, priority is given to more essential economic sectors of the Parties for economic or development purposes. Howeve r, such measures shall not be adopted or 
maintained to protect a particular sector (Article 107.3). 
4.6  Sector specific provisions on trade in services 4.40.  There are no separate chapters on specific sectors. However, the GATS Annexes on Air 
Transport Services, Financial Services and Telecommunications apply mutatis mutandis  to the 
Agreement (Article 76). 
                                               
16 The Medical Schools recognized by the Singapore Medical Council are: Peki ng University Health 
Science Centre (PUHSC, formerly Beijing Medical Univ ersity); Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University; 
Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Tsinghua University; Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; Sun Yat-Sen College of Medical Scienc e (Guangdong), Sung Yat-Sen Universi ty; Zheijiang University School of 
Medicine; School of Me dicine, Wuhan University; and the West Chin a College of Medicine, Sichuan University. 
The eight institutions whose TCM degrees are recognized are: Beijing University of Chinese Medicine; Chengdu 
University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Guangzhou 
University of Chinese Medicine; Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing University of Chinese 
Medicine; Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; ad Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.  WT/REG262/1 
 
- 27 - 
 
  
5  GENERAL PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT 
5.1  Transparency 5.1.  The Agreement does not contain a separate general transparency provision that applies to 
the entire Agreement. However, some Chapters contain relevant transparency provisions, such as: 
Article 8 (quantitative restrictions and non-tariff measures) under Chapter 3 (trade in goods); Article 25 (transparency) under Chapter 5 (customs procedures); Articles 50 (exchange of 
information and cooperation) 54 (transparency) under Chapter 7 (TBT and SPS); Article 73 
(transparency) under Chapter 8 (trade in services); and Article 82 (transparency) under Chapter 9 (movement of natural persons).  
5.2  Exceptions 
5.2.  Chapter 13 incorporates Article XX of GA TT into the Agreement, for the purposes of 
Chapters 3 (trade in goods), 4 (rules of origin), 5 (customs procedures), 6 (trade remedies) and 7 (technical barriers to trade, sanitary and phytosanitary measures). The Chapter also 
incorporates GATS Article XIV (a)-(d) into the Agr eement, for the purposes of Chapter 8 (trade in 
services). 
5.3.  The Parties maintain security exceptions in line with Articles XXI of the GATT and XIV bis of 
the GATS. In addition, there is a new feature enab ling the Parties to take security exceptions; a 
Party may take any action to protect critical public infrastructure, including critical communication infrastructure, from deliberate attempts intended to disable or degrade such infrastructures.  
5.3  Accession and Termination 
5.4.  There are no accession provisions in the Agreement. Either Party may terminate the 
Agreement but must provide notice to the other Party in writing. The termination will be effective six months after the notification. Within 30 days from the notification, either Party may request 
consultations on whether the termination needs to be extended to a stage later than six months. 
This consultation shall start within 30 days from the receipt of the request (Article 115). 
5.4  Institutional framework 
5.5.  A Joint Committee chaired by the Parties' Ministers or their designees, was established to, 
inter alia , review and interpret the general or specific matters of the Agreement; consider further 
concessions or issues that have not been covered by the Agreement; facilitate dispute avoidance and settlement; and establish ad hoc  and standing committees or working groups 
(Articles 111.2-3). The Joint Committee holds a regular annual session and also meets under a 
special session called within 30 days of a request by a Party (Article 111.4). The Parties have established a contact point to facilitate communications (Article 110).
17 In particular, one or more 
contact points for the Chapter on trade remedies  shall be designated and updated accordingly 
(Article 39). 
5.6.  The Parties are committed to ensure their regional and local governments, authorities, and 
non-governmental bodies (in the exercise of powers delegated by central, state, regional or local 
governments or authorities) to observe the obligations and commitments under the Agreement (Article 109). 
5.5  Dispute settlement 
5.7.  Chapter 12 and the related Annex 7 (rules and procedures for arbitral proceedings) set out 
procedures for the avoidance and settlement of disputes relating to the Parties' rights and obligations under the Agreement (Article 92.3). The Agreement permits the Parties to utilize 
dispute settlement procedures under any other treaty to which both Parties are signatories 
                                               
17 Singapore's contact point is the Office of the Direct or of North East Asia Division, Ministry of Trade 
and Industry; China's contact point is the Department of International Trade and Economic Affairs, Ministry of Commerce. WT/REG262/1 
 
- 28 - 
 
 (Article 92.5). Once a dispute settlement procedure has been initiated, the procedure shall be 
exclusively used for that dispute. However, th e forum exclusion clause will not apply where the 
Parties agree to use more than one forum in a particular dispute (Articles 92.6 and 92.7). 
5.8.  A Party may request consultations in writing with the other Party if it considers that any 
benefit accruing to itself directly or indirectly under the Agreement is being nullified or impaired; 
or the attainment of any objective of the Agreement is being impeded, as the other Party has failed to carry out its obligations under the Agreement (Article 94). The Party requested shall reply 
within seven days and enter into consultations within 30 days (ten days for urgent cases including 
for perishable goods) of receipt of the written re quest. If the Party requested does not respond or 
enter into consultations within the period of time indicated above, the complaining Party can proceed directly to request the establishment of an arbitral tribunal (Articles 94.3 and 94.6).  
5.9.  If the matter is not resolved through consultations within 60 days (20 days for urgent cases 
including for perishable goods) after the date of  receipt of the request, the complaining Party  may 
request in writing the establishment of an arbitral tribunal (Article 96). The panel is composed of 
three members (Article 97.1). If there is no agr eement on the chair of the arbitral tribunal, the 
Director-General of the WTO shall designate the ch air with the approval of the Parties. If the 
Director-General is a national of either Party, the Deputy Director General or an officer next in 
seniority who is not a national of either Party shall appoint the chair (Article 97.3). The arbitral 
tribunal may propose to the Parties to amicably settle the dispute at any stage of the proceedings (Article 100.3). 
5.10.  When the Party complained against fails to comply with the recommendations of the arbitral 
tribunal within the implementation period, it will hold negotiations with the complaining Party to 
find compensation that is mutually satisfactory (Article 102.2). If an agreement cannot be reached, the complaining Party may request the arbitral tribunal to determine the appropriate level 
of any suspension of concessions or benefits to the Party complained against (Article 102.3). The 
conditions for suspensions listed in Article 102.5 are similar to Article 22 of the WTO Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes (DSU) in that the 
suspension should be first sought in the same se ctor(s) affected, following which benefits in other 
sectors may be suspended if the complaining Party considers suspension in the same sector is not practical or effective (Article 102.5). However, compared to Article 22.3.(b)-(c) of the WTO DSU, 
the Agreement does not specify whether the other sectors may be from the same Chapter or 
another covered Chapter of the Agreement. 
5.11.  The major steps to be taken in the dispute settlement process are described below. During 
the process, the Parties may proceed with conciliation or mediation while an arbitral tribunal is 
underway if both Parties so agree (Article 95.2). The Parties shall share the costs of the arbitral 
tribunal equally (Article 104). They shall designate a liaison office to be responsible for all liaison affairs related to the Chapter (Article 93).
18 
                                               
18 The designated liaison office for Singapore is the O ffice of the Director of North East Asia Division, 
Ministry of Trade and Industry; for China it is the De partment of International Trade and Economic Affairs, 
Ministry of Commerce. WT/REG262/1 
 
- 29 - 
 
  
Table 5.1 Synopsis of Dispute Settle ment Provisions under the Agreement 
30 days (Art.97.2) 
10 days (Art.99.9) not more than 30 days incl. 7 days 
above (Art.94.3) 
30 days (max.45) 
(Art.101.2) 
20 days 
(Art.97.2) 20 days 
(Art.98.2) 15 days 
(Art.99.3) 60 days (max.75) 
(Art.101.3) (a)  
within 7 days (Art.94.3) Written request for 
consultations (Art. 94) 
Consultations  
(Art.94.3) 
Written request for the 
establishment of arbitral 
tribunal (Art.96.1)
Appointment of arbitrators 
by each Party/Composition of 
arbitral tribunal (Art. 97.2)   
Issuance of arbitral 
tribunal's draft report to the 
Parties (Art.99.7)   
Issuance of arbitral 
tribunal's final report  
(Art. 99.8)  Publication of the final arbitral tribunal 
report (Art.99.9)
Agreement on the reasonable 
period of time to solve  
the dispute 
(Art.101.2) 
Failure to agree on the 
reasonable period of time – 
refer to the original arbitral 
tribunal (Art.101.2) 
Negotiations on mutually 
acceptable compensation 
(Art.102.2)
Opportunity for the 
Parties to review the 
draft (Art.99.7) No indication on time limit 
120 days (max.180) 
(Art.99.8) Agreement on the 
existence or consistency 
with the measure taken 
with the 
recommendations of the 
arbitral tribunal 
(Art.101.3 )
Failure to agree – refer to 
the original arbitral 
tribunal 
(Art.101.3) 
20 days (Art.102.3) 
No agreement 
(Art.102.3) 
Request by the 
complaining Party to 
the original arbitral 
tribunal to determine 
the appropriate level of 
any suspension of 
concessions or benefits 
to the Party complained 
against 
(Art.102.3 )Issuance of 
arbitral tribunal's 
report 
(Art.102.3) Response to the written 
request (Art.94.3) 
Determination of the 
reasonable period of time 
by the arbitral tribunal 
(Art.101.2) 30 days (Art. 96.1) 
Terms of 
reference  
(Art. 98.2)   Fix 
timetable 
(Art. 99.3)   30 days 
(Art.101.2) 
Determination by the arbitral 
tribunal (Art.101.3) 
30 days 
(max.45) 
(Art. 102.3)
 
5.6  Relationship with other agreements concluded by the Parties 
5.12.  The Agreement's relationship with other agreements concluded by the Parties is defined in 
Article 112, where the Parties reaffirm their rights and obligations under existing bilateral and multilateral agreements to which both Parties are party, including the WTO Agreement. In the case 
that there are inconsistencies between the Agreem ent and any other agreements, the Article does WT/REG262/1 
 
- 30 - 
 
 not define the hierarchy, but obliges the Parties to immediately have consultations to find a 
mutually satisfactory solution. 
5.13.  Table 5.2 lists all other regional trade agr eements (RTAs) notified and not notified to the 
GATT/WTO and in force to which China and Singapore are party. 
Table 5.2 China and Singapore: Participation in  other RTAs (notified and non-notified in 
force), as of 20 June 2014 
Partner / Agreement Date of 
entry 
into force Type of 
agreement GATT/WTO Notification 
Year WTO Provision 
CHINA  
Costa Rica 01.08.11 Goods & Services 2012 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Peru 01.03.10 Goods & Services 2010 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
New Zealand 01.10.08 Goods & Services 2009 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Pakistan 01.07.07 
10.10.09 Goods 
Services 2008 
2010 GATT Art. XXIV 
GATS Art. V 
Chile 01.10.06 
01.08.10 Goods 
Services 2007 
2010 GATT Art. XXIV 
GATS Art. V 
Hong Kong, China 29.06.03 Goods & Services 2003 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Macao, China 17.10.03 Goods & Services 2003 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
ASEAN 01.01.05 
01.07.07 Goods 
Services 2005 
2008 Enabling Clause 
GATS Art. V 
APTA (Accession) 01.01.02 Goods 2004 Enabling Clause 
The Cross-Straits Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement 
(ECFA) 12.09.10 Goods & Services Not notified 
SINGAPORE  
Chinese Taipei 19.04.14 Goods & Services 2014 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Costa Rica 01.07.13 Goods & Services 2013 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Peru 01.08.09 Goods & Services 2009 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Panama 24.07.06 Goods & Services 2007 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Brunei, Chile,  
New Zealand  (Trans-Pacific SEP) 28.05.06 Goods & Services 2007 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Republic of Korea 02.03.06 Goods & Services 2006 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Jordan 22.08.05 Goods & Services 2006 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
India 01.08.05 Goods & Services 2007 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
United States 01.01.04 Goods & Services 2003 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Australia 28.07.03 Goods & Services 2003 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
EFTA 01.01.03 Goods & Services 2003 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
Japan 30.11.02 Goods & Services 2002 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
New Zealand 01.01.01 Goods & Services 2001 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
ASEAN Agreements:     
ASEAN-Rep. of Korea 01.01.10 
01.05.09 Goods 
Services 2010 
2010 GATT Art. XXIV & Enabling Clause 
GATS Art. V WT/REG262/1 
 
- 31 - 
 
  
Partner / Agreement Date of 
entry 
into force Type of 
agreement GATT/WTO Notification 
Year WTO Provision 
ASEAN-Australia-New 
Zealand 01.01.10 Goods & Services 2010 GATT Art. XXIV & GATS Art. V 
ASEAN-India 01.01.10 Goods 2010 Enabling Clause 
ASEAN-Japan 01.12.08 Goods 2009 GATT Art. XXIV 
ASEAN-China 01.01.05 
01.07.07 Goods 
Services 2005 
2008 Enabling Clause 
GATS Art. V GATS Art. V 
AFTA 28.01.92 Goods 1992 Enabling Clause 
GSTP 19.04.89 Goods 1989 Enabling Clause 
GCC 01.09.13 Goods & Services Not notified 
 
Source: WTO Secretariat.  ASEAN:  Association of Southeast Asian Nations 
APTA: Asia Pacific Trade Agreement EFTA: European Free Trade Area 
GSTP: Global System of Trade Preferences 
GCC: Gulf Cooperation Council  
5.7  Government procurement 
5.14.  There is no separate government procurement Chapter per se  in the Agreement. However, 
Article 60 of the Chapter on trade in services as stated at paragraph 55 in this presentation 
excludes i) services supplied in the exercise of governmental authority; and ii) regulations or 
requirements governing the procurement by gove rnmental agencies of services purchased for 
governmental purposes and not with a view to commercial resale or use in the supply of services for commercial sale, from the Agreement . 
5.8  Intellectual property rights 
5.15.  The Agreement contains no specific provisions with regards to intellectual property. 5.9  Investment 
5.16.  Chapter 10 on investment contains a single provision that generally states the relationship 
between the ASEAN and China Investment Agreemen t and the Agreement. The Parties agreed to 
incorporate the ASEAN and China Investment Agreement into the Agreement when the former is 
concluded and agreed to facilitate its early conc lusion. The Parties have clarified that the ASEAN-
China Investment Agreement has been completed and the Parties have agreed to automatically incorporate its provisions in the Agreement. Any unrelated rights, obligations, restrictions or exceptions from the Investment Agreement do not apply to the Parties. Further, in the case of 
inconsistency between the two agreements, this Agreement prevails (Article 84). 
5.17.  In addition, Article 86 under Chapter 11 on economic cooperation directs the Parties, 
inter alia , to reinforce trade and investment promotion between the Parties, including in third 
countries and to support semi- and non-official organizations involved in trade and investment 
promotion activities. 
5.10  Cooperation 
5.18.  The goals of Chapter 11 are to strengthen ex isting bilateral ties between the Parties and to 
explore new areas of collaboration. In this regard, it identifies five areas of economic cooperation: 
i) trade and investment promotion (Article 86); ii) participation in China's regional development (Article 87); iii) tourism cooperation (Article 88); iv) human resource development (Article 89); 
and v) facilitation of "Go Global" effort s of Chinese enterprises (Article 90).  WT/REG262/1 
 
- 32 - 
 
 5.19.  In particular, the Sino-Singapore eco-city  project in Tianjin aims to act as a model for 
sustainable development and to enhance bilateral cooperation in areas including environmental 
protection, and resource and energy conservation (Article 87.2). The Parties, in principle, agree 
that any business collaboration in this regard shall be commercially led and the government should 
play a facilitative role (Article 87.5). They also seek to increase Chinese enterprises' awareness of 
utilizing Singapore as an effective regional platform and to explore collaborative opportunities in third country markets (Article 90.2). 
 
 WT/REG262/1 
 
- 33 - 
 
  
ANNEX 1 
INDICATORS OF TRADE LIBERALIZATION UNDER THE AGREEMENT 
1. A comparison between the scheduled elimination of tariffs applied to the Parties' mutual 
imports and the MFN rates applied by China and Singapore is shown in Tables A1.1 (China) and 
A1.2 (Singapore) below, by total products, agricultural products and non-agricultural products. Table A1.1 shows the share of lines liberalized by China for imports from Singapore by total 
products, agriculture and non-agricultural prod ucts. In 2009 China's overall average MFN applied 
tariff was 9.8%, 15.3% for agricultural products and 8.9% for non-agricultural products. The share of MFN duty free lines was 8.3% overall, 6.9% for agricultural products and 8.6% for non-agricultural products. In 2009 68% of China' s imports from Singapore became duty free (of 
which 17.3% under the Agreement. This corresponde d to 63.6% of agricultural tariff lines (of 
which 12.8% under the Agreement) and 68.8% of no n-agricultural tariff lines (of which 18% under 
the Agreement) becoming duty free in 2009. China's overall average tariff for imports from 
Singapore fell to 2.2% (including liberalization under the Agreement and the ASEAN-China FTA), 
3.9% for agricultural imports and 1.9% for non-agricultural imports from Singapore. As a result, exporters from Singapore had a relative margin  of preference of 77.6% overall, 74.5% for 
agricultural exports and 78.7% for non-agricu ltural exports to China. At the end of 
implementation, 94.6% of tariff lines overall beca me duty free for imports from Singapore of which 
93.5% for agricultural products and 94.8% for non-agricultural products. 
Table A1.1 China: Indicators of MFN tariff rates and preferential rates for imports from 
Singapore 
Origin of 
goods Year ALL PRODUCTS Agricultural products a Non-agricultural products 
Average applied 
tariff Share 
of 
duty-
free 
tariff 
lines 
(%) Average applied 
tariff Share 
of 
duty-
free 
tariff 
lines 
(%) Average applied 
tariff Share 
of 
duty-
free 
tariff 
lines 
(%) Over
all 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) 
MFN 2009 9.8 10.7 8.3 15.3 16.4 6.9 8.9 9.7 8.6 
Singapore 2009 5.9 7.1 17.3 10.3 11.9 12.8 5.2 6.3 18.0 
(CSFTA) 2010 4.6 8.1 43.2 8.9 15.2 41.4 3.9 6.9 43.4 
Singapore 2009 2.2 6.8 68.0 3.9 10.6 63.6 1.9 6.1 68.8 
(CSFTA + 
ACFTA) 2010 0.8 15.8 94.6 2.3 35.7 93.5 0.6 11.7 94.8 
 
a WTO Definition. Note: For the calculation of averages, specific rates are excluded and the ad valorem  parts of alternate 
rates are included. 
 Based on the HS 2007 nomenclature.  CSFTA =Preferential tariffs given to Singapore und er the China-Singapore FTA; ACFTA=Preferential 
tariffs given to Singapore under the ASEAN-China FTA. 
 Source: WTO estimates based on data  provided by China and WTO-IDB. 
 
2. Singapore's tariff structure is duty free on an MFN basis for all but six tariff lines. These lines 
are liberalized upon entry into force of the Agr eement, resulting in complete duty-free treatment 
for China's exports to Singapore (Table A1.2). WT/REG262/1 
 
- 34 - 
 
 Table A1.2 Singapore: Indicators of MFN ta riff rates and preferential rates for imports 
from China
 
Origin 
of 
goods Year ALL PRODUCTS Agricultural products a Non-agricultural products 
Average applied 
tariff Share 
of 
duty-
free 
tariff 
lines 
(%) Average applied 
tariff Share 
of 
duty-
free 
tariff 
lines 
(%) Average applied 
tariff Share 
of 
duty-
free 
tariff 
lines 
(%) Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) Overall 
(%) On 
dutiable 
(%) 
MFN 2009 0.0 0.0 99.9 0.0 0.0 99.5 0.0 0.0 100.0 
China 2009 0.0 0.0 100.0 0.0 0.0 100.0 0.0 0.0 100.0 
 
a WTO Definition.  Source: WTO Secretariat estimates based on data provided by Singapore. 
 
3. Table A1.3 shows market access opportunities for Singapore's top 25 global exports in China 
under the Agreement. In 2009 Singapore's top 25 gl obal exports accounted for 55.5% of its total 
exports and were covered by 98 tariff lines in China's tariff a the HS six digit level. Of these, 
55 lines already had duty free market access on an MFN basis before the Agreement entered into force. In 2009 China liberalized a further six lines under the Agreement and 25 lines under the 
ASEAN-China FTA and a further six lines in 2010 under the Agreement and one lines under the 
ASEAN-China FTA. At the end of implementation fi ve tariff lines (relating to petroleum and light 
oils) remain dutiable for imports from Singapore. 
Table A1.3 China: Market access opportuniti es under the Agreement for Singapore's top 
25 exports 
Singapore's top export products in 2006-2008  Access Conditions to China's import markets 
MFN (2009)  Duty-free in 
Remain dutiable HS number and description of the 
product  
Share in global 
exports (%)  
Average MFN 
applied rate 
(%) Number of 
duty-free 
lines  2009 2010 Duty-free 
Dutiable 
CSFTA 
ACFTA 
CSFTA 
ACFTA 
854239 Other Electronic integrated 
circuits, other than Amplifiers/Memories/Processors & controllers 11.9 0.0 1       
271019 Petroleum oils & oils obtained 
from bituminous minerals 
(other than crude) & 
preparations not elsewhere 
specified/incld, containing by 
weight 70 %/more of petroleum 
oils/of oils obtained from 
bituminous minerals, these oils 
being the basic constituents of 
the preparations, other than 
waste oils & light oils & 
preparations 10.2 6.5  11  5 4  2 
271011 -- light oils and preparations 4.6 7.0  5 1  1  3 
854231 -- processors and controllers, 
whether or not combined with 
memories, converters, logic 
circuits, amplifiers, clock and 
timing circuits, or other circuits 3.3 0.0 1       
844399 Other parts & accessories for 
printing machinery excl. 8443.91 3.3 6.0 1 3  2 1   
847170 - storage units 2.4 0.0 4       WT/REG262/1 
 
- 35 - 
 
  
Singapore's top export products in 2006-2008  Access Conditions to China's import markets 
MFN (2009)  Duty-free in 
Remain dutiable HS number and description of the 
product  
Share in global 
exports (%)  
Average MFN 
applied rate 
(%) Number of 
duty-free 
lines  2009 2010 Duty-free 
Dutiable 
CSFTA 
ACFTA 
CSFTA 
ACFTA 
847330 - parts and accessories of the 
machines of heading 84.71 2.3 0.0 2       
854232 -- memories 1.8 0.0 1       
854290 - parts 1.7 0.0 1       
854233 -- amplifiers 1.6 0.0 1       
851712 -- telephones for cellular 
networks or for other wireless networks 1.5 0.0 3       
300490 Medicaments (excluding goods 
of heading 
30.02/30.05/30.06/3004.10-
3004.50) consisting of 
mixed/unmixed products for 
therapeutic/prophylactic uses, 
put up in measured doses 
(including those in the form of 
transdermal administration 
systems)/in forms/packings for 
retail sale 1.3 3.7  9  9    
852990 Other parts suitable for use 
solely/principally with the apparatus of headings 85.25 to 85.28., other than aerials & aerial reflectors of all kinds 1.2 7.9 3 7 4 2  1  
851770 - parts 1.1 1.4 5 2  2    
843143 -- parts for boring or sinking 
machinery of subheading 8430.41 or 8430.49 1.0 4.3  3  3    
854190 - parts 1.0 0.0 1       
852329 Magnetic media for the 
recording of sound/of other phenomena, but excl. products of Ch. 37., other than cards incorporating a magnetic stripe 0.8 1.3 7 1 1     
880330 - other parts of aeroplanes or 
helicopters 0.8 1.0  1  1    
851762 -- machines for the reception, 
conversion and transmission or 
regeneration of vo ice, images or 
other data, including switching and routing apparatus 0.7 0.0 17       
853690 - other apparatus 0.7 0.0 1       
292250 - amino-alcohol-phenols, 
amino-acid-phenols and other amino-compounds with oxygen function 0.7 6.5  1  1    
854129 -- other 0.5 0.0 1       
852352 -- "smart cards" 0.4 0.0 2       
710813 -- other semi-manufactured 
forms 0.4 0.0 1       
853400 Printed circuits. 0.4 0.0 2       
Total of above 55.5  55 43 6 25 6 1 5 
Note:  Based on the HS 2007 nomenclature. 
 CSFTA =China-Singapore FTA; ACFTA= ASEAN-China FTA.  Source: WTO estimates based on data provided by  China, WTO-IDB and UNSD, Comtrade database. 
 WT/REG262/1 
 
- 36 - 
 
 4. Table A1.4 shows the market access conditions in Singapore for China's top 25 exports, 
which in 2006-2008 accounted for 22.2% of its glob al exports. China's top 25 exports cover a total 
of 144 tariff lines in Singapore's tariff schedule. All of these products were already subject to duty-free MFN rates. 
Table A1.4 Singapore: Market access opport unities under the Agreement for China's top 
25 exports 
China's top export products in 2006-2008  Access Conditions to 
Singapore's import markets  
MFN (2009)  
HS number and description of the product  Share in global 
exports (%)  Average MFN 
applied rate (%)  Number of  
duty-free 
lines  
847130 - Portable automatic data processing 
machines, weighing not more than 10 k.g., consisting of a least a central processing unit, a keyboard and a display 4.3 0.0 3 
847330 - Parts and accessories of the 
machines of heading 84.71 2.0 0.0 2 
901380 - Other devices, appliances and 
instruments 1.5 0.0 3 
847160 - Input or output units, whether or not 
containing storage units in the same 
housing 1.3 0.0 4 
852990 - Other 1.1 0.0 11 
847170 - Storage units 1.0 0.0 7 
847141 -- Comprising in the same housing at 
least a central processing unit and an input and output unit, whether or not combined 0.8 0.0 2 
853400 Printed circuits. 0.8 0.0 4 
850440 - Static converters 0.7 0.0 6 
852190 - Other 0.7 0.0 4 
860900 Containers (including containers for 
the transport of fluids) specially 
designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport. 0.7 0.0 3 
890190 - Other vessels for the transport of 
goods and other vessels for the 
transport of both persons and goods 0.7 0.0 9 
611030 - Of man-made fibres 0.6 0.0 1 
640299 -- Other 0.6 0.0 1 
851770 - Parts 0.6 0.0 10 
271019 -- Other 0.5 0.0 16 
420212 -- With outer surface of plastics or of 
textile materials 0.5 0.0 2 
610910 - Of cotton 0.5 0.0 2 
611020 - Of cotton 0.5 0.0 1 
640399 -- Other 0.5 0.0 1 
847150 - Processing units other than those of 
sub-heading 8471.41 or 8471.49, whether or not containing in the same housing one or two of the following types of unit: storage units, input units, output units 0.5 0.0 2 
854140 - Photosensitive semiconductor 
devices, including photovoltaic cells 
whether or not assembled in modules 
or made up into panels; light emitting 
diodes 0.5 0.0 3 
950410 - Video games of a kind used with a 
television receiver 0.5 0.0 1 
848180 - Other appliances 0.4 0.0 32 WT/REG262/1 
 
- 37 - 
 
  
China's top export products in 2006-2008  Access Conditions to 
Singapore's import markets  
MFN (2009)  
HS number and description of the product  Share in global 
exports (%)  Average MFN 
applied rate (%)  Number of  
duty-free 
lines  
851762 -- Machines for the reception, 
conversion and transmission or regeneration of voic e, images or other 
data, including switching and routing apparatus 0.4 0.0 14 
Total of above 22.2  144 
 
Source: WTO estimates based on data provided  by Singapore and UNSD, Comtrade database. 
 
__________