EFTA and Singapore sign Digital Economy Agreement - Joint communiqué

On 25 September 2025, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) States and Singapore signed the EFTA-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement (DEA) in Bern, Switzerland. The DEA will strengthen digital connectivity between our countries and facilitate seamless digital trade between businesses on both sides. It underscores the strategic importance of the digital economy as a key driver of economic growth, and will allow businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises, to benefit from new opportunities in the fast-evolving digital landscape.

The DEA builds on the EFTA-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, which entered into force in 2003, and marks a significant milestone in the strong and longstanding economic relationship between the EFTA States and Singapore. It reflects our shared commitment to enabling open and secure data flows across borders, and to promoting a trusted digital environment for citizens and businesses alike. The DEA further demonstrates the EFTA States and Singapore's like-minded partnership in establishing high-standard rules for digital trade, which will give our citizens and businesses greater legal clarity and confidence to transact and participate in the digital economy.

At the signing ceremony, Federal Councillor and Vice President of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin thanked all parties for making the signing of the DEA possible, and said:

"The DEA establishes clear and predictable rules for digital trade between the EFTA States and Singapore. It responds to the needs of the digital economy and will provide value added for our citizens, consumers and businesses. It is also a signal for cooperation in the presently challenging international trade landscape."

Singapore's Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations Grace Fu said:

"The signing of the EFTA-Singapore DEA marks an important milestone in expanding our bilateral trade into the digital realm. By facilitating open and secure cross-border data flows, the Agreement will provide businesses with greater flexibility and certainty in digital trade, while enhancing the protection of consumers engaged in e-commerce. As we navigate the changing economic order, it is important for like-minded partners to cooperate and seize new opportunities in the digital economy."

The EFTA States and Singapore will now work towards the ratification and entry into force of the Agreement, to allow our citizens and businesses to reap the benefits of the DEA.

Joint communiqué

Digital Economy Agreement

EFTA-Singapore

EFTA-Singapore DEA Infographic

Photos

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