Sing, Emergency Food Security Measures Amid COVID-19... Joint Statement with Australia and Others

[Asia Economy Singapore Correspondent Seo Jumi] Singapore has taken measures to prepare for food shortages amid the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis. As global movements to restrict agricultural exports emerge, it is a matter of survival for Singapore, which relies heavily on food imports. Singapore's food self-sufficiency rate is only 10% of total consumption, making it highly volatile.

According to local media such as The Straits Times on the 7th, Singapore recently issued a joint statement with seven countries including Australia, Canada, Chile, New Zealand, Myanmar, and Brunei to maintain stable supply chains for daily necessities. The statement includes commitments to keep land, air, and sea transport routes open to ensure stable supply chains for essentials including food and medicine.

Singapore's decision to sign the joint statement was largely influenced by Vietnam, a major rice supplier, recently halting new export contracts, followed by Cambodia deciding to ban exports of rice and other products. Additionally, Thailand has suspended exports due to a surge in domestic egg prices. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has also warned that global food crises could occur by May as countries control human and material exchanges to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Singapore emphasized that the countries participating in the joint statement?Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Chile?are exporters of grains, meat, seafood, and dairy products.

Meanwhile, as Singapore judged that regional transmission of COVID-19 had reached a serious level, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong officially announced the closure of workplaces and schools earlier this month. Accordingly, from the 8th, only public institutions, supermarkets, and pharmacies will remain open, while all primary and secondary schools will conduct online classes. Telecommuting for office workers will also be mandatory.