‘Fast Lane Arrangements’ for Essential Business Travel between Singapore and China

Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) announced on Friday (May 29) that Singapore and China have agreed to launch ‘Fast Lane Arrangements’ in early June to facilitate essential business and official travel between both the countries.

The announcement came after the second China-Singapore joint meeting through video conference on Thursday (May 28). Mr. Chee Wee Kiong, Permanent Secretary of Singapore’s MFA and Mr. Luo Zhaohui, Vice Minister of China’s MFA chaired the meeting that was also attended by the representatives from education, trade, industry, customs, immigration, transport and health fields from both countries.

To begin with the fast lane arrangements will be between Singapore and six Chinese provinces of Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing, Guangdong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

Both leaders discussed to explore the ways to increase air links between the two countries under the new fast lane program and enforce stringent COVID-19 prevention and control measures for the safety of the travelers.

The ministry stated, “Both sides attached great significance to securing the connectivity of production and supply chains, agreed to level up the efficiency of freight linkages and customs clearance  including facilitating the flow of essential goods such as essential food and medical supplies.”

Moreover, on Thursday (May 28), Minister for National Development Mr. Lawrence Wong said that the Singapore government is looking to establish travel bubbles with countries where the spread of COVID-19 is under control.