S’pore-Japan ties evolved significantly over 60 years; both sides can do more together: PM Wong

Mr Lawrence Wong is making an official visit to Japan from March 17 to 19. Read more at straitstimes.com.

TOKYO – Singapore and Japan’s relationship has evolved significantly over 60 years, with both countries now in a good position to enter a new chapter of bilateral ties, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on March 17.

The two countries’ decades of partnership also provide a firm foundation to navigate a world marked by intense uncertainty, fragmentation and disruption, PM Wong said ahead of his three-day official visit to Tokyo.

In an op-ed for Japanese publication Nikkei, he noted that the bilateral relationship began with Singapore receiving assistance and investments from Japan, but soon grew into a multifaceted and mutually beneficial partnership.

He is making an official visit to Japan from March 17 to 19, part of a string of introductory visits to key partner countries in the region since he took over as head of government in May 2024. He is scheduled to meet his counterpart Sanae Takaichi.

In the 1970s, major Japanese companies like Toshiba, Sumitomo and Mitsui set up operations in Singapore, which created jobs and established a manufacturing base in the Republic’s then fledging economy, PM Wong noted.

In the 1980s, Singapore benefited from Japanese efforts to transfer knowledge in quality and productivity improvements.