Singapore, other five countries commit to keep trade links open

WELLINGTON, March 25 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand, Singapore, as well as other five countries including Canada, Australia, Chile, Brunei and Myanmar, committed on Wednesday to keep supply chains open and remove any existing trade restrictive measures on essential goods, especially medical supplies, in the face of the COVID-19 crisis.

The commitment helps "ensure our citizens can access the important goods and medical supplies we need in this time of global crisis," Trade and Export Growth Minister David Parker said in a statement.

"It is important we have assurance from some of our key partners that trade lines between us will remain open, including via air and sea freight, to facilitate the flow of goods including essential supplies," Parker said.

Critical infrastructure such as the countries' air and seaports will remain open to support the viability and integrity of supply chains globally, he added.

"We are thinking about next steps to give practical and swift effect to our shared commitment to address the global pandemic through global cooperation," he added.