Singapore is considering leveraging the Chabahar Port in Iran, managed by India, to establish a trade and transit corridor between Southeast Asia and Central Asia, aiming to access the resource-rich Eurasia. This move highlights Singapore's interest in accessing the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) market through the Chabahar port, which serves as a pivotal link between Southeast Asia and Central Asia. The President of Kazakhstan's recent visit to Singapore further underscored discussions on enhancing trade and transit corridors, emphasising the strategic importance of Chabahar in facilitating connectivity between the regions.
Singapore's pursuit of this corridor aligns with its existing free trade agreement (FTA) with the EAEU, signed in 2019. Notably, Vietnam has also engaged in an FTA with the EAEU, signalling growing economic ties in the region. The recent agreement between the EAEU and Singapore focuses on enhancing trade in services and investments, aiming to streamline regulatory processes and reduce barriers.
The Chabahar port, managed by India since 2018, serves as a vital connectivity link for India to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and the wider Eurasian region. India's investment plans for the port, including equipping it with about $120 million and offering a rupee credit window of $250 million for infrastructure projects, underscore its strategic importance.
The potential linking of Chabahar with the International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which connects India with Russia via Iran, further enhances its significance for regional trade and connectivity. Countries like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are keen to utilise Chabahar to access the Indian Ocean Region and tap into the Indian market, with Kazakhstan developing a trans-Caspian international transport route to connect Asia with the EU.
In light of evolving geopolitical dynamics and the importance of secure and reliable supply chains, Kazakhstan's significant potential in supplying rare earth metals presents an opportunity for India. Singapore's expertise in finance and technology complements Kazakhstan's natural resources and developing infrastructure, fostering cooperation between the two countries.
Singapore's robust presence in Kazakhstan, with over 140 companies and investments exceeding $1.7 billion, reflects its commitment to enhancing economic ties in the region. This collaborative approach between Singapore and Kazakhstan can enhance transport efficiency and facilitate trade, contributing to the broader economic development of Asia. (ET Infra)
