Singapore and Ecuador sign memorandum on development cooperation
Singapore and Ecuador signed a memorandum on development cooperation on August 24, 2026, during the state visit of Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa Azín to Singapore. The countries plan to deepen cooperation on food security, trade, logistics and digitalization, Channel NewsAsia reports.
First presidential visit
Noboa’s two-day trip was the first visit by an Ecuadorian president to Singapore. Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong called it an important milestone in bilateral relations.
According to Wong, the visit reflects Ecuador’s growing interest in engaging with the region. He said Singapore also seeks to strengthen ties with Ecuador and Latin American countries and develop partnerships across the Pacific Ocean.
Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam said during a state banquet in Noboa’s honor that both countries are maritime nations open to trade and investment. In his view, Ecuador can help Singaporean companies access opportunities in the Andean region and broader Latin American markets.
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Trade and agriculture
Shanmugaratnam added that Singapore can serve as a platform for Ecuadorian companies to access supply chains, investors and consumers in Southeast Asia. He also welcomed Ecuador’s application for associate state status in the Pacific Alliance.
The Singaporean president described agriculture and food as promising areas of cooperation, mentioning Ecuadorian bananas, cocoa and shrimp. Singaporean agri-trading company DiMuto is already working with Ecuadorian partners on digitalization and traceability of agricultural exports to Asian markets. PSA Marine provides pilotage and boat services at the ports of Guayaquil and Posorja.
According to Shanmugaratnam, the new memorandum is a starting point for strengthening partnership in areas of mutual priority, including trade, education, public administration, digitalization and healthcare.
