Singaporean Prime Minister Highlights RCEP-GCC Cooperation as a Boost for Global Trade System

Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized the strategic value of closer cooperation between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), describing such collaboration as a potential driver for more robust economic and trade exchanges. Speaking on Tuesday at the ASEAN-China-GCC Economic Forum 2025, Wong stated that formalized ties between these two influential blocs could play a pivotal role in sustaining a rules-based global trading system.

“If we can promote trade and investment between the two groups, it would yield substantial benefits for all parties,” Wong declared, highlighting the combined economic power of RCEP and GCC members. RCEP consists of 15 countries—including the 10 ASEAN nations, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand—while the GCC brings together Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain. Together, these two groups represent approximately 35 percent of global GDP, underscoring their collective economic weight on the world stage.

Wong acknowledged the challenging and unpredictable nature of the current international environment, noting that strengthening economic linkages is even more critical in turbulent times. “The global environment has become uncertain,” he observed, “so ASEAN and the GCC should strengthen our linkages in this turbulent world.” The Prime Minister argued that enhanced cooperation would not only foster trade flows and investment but also help to buttress the international rules-based order that underpins global commerce.

As international partners seek stability and growth amid rising geopolitical tensions and shifting economic priorities, Wong’s remarks serve as a call to action for greater engagement between these two major economic blocs. He concluded by expressing hope that collaborative efforts would pave the way for increased prosperity and stronger inter-regional ties, positioning both the RCEP and GCC as vital pillars within the global economy.