Singapore, August 21 : Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday highlighted Singapore’s potential as a strategic gateway for Indian agricultural and processed food products to enter wider international markets, including ASEAN and Australia.
Goyal joined Singapore Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Industry Gan Siow Huang and other dignitaries at an APEDA FairPrice roadshow-cum-in-store promotion aimed at expanding the reach of Indian agri-food products in Singapore.
The initiative is showcasing a diverse range of products, including organic food, fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, dairy items, cashews, rice, millet based products and regional specialties from across India.
Goyal said the programme was creating fresh opportunities for Indian farmers and food-processing companies to establish a stronger presence in Singapore and subsequently explore markets across the broader ASEAN region and Australia.
The promotion at City Square Mall is being organised by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in partnership with FairPrice, Singapore’s leading supermarket retailer. The initiative seeks to increase the visibility of Indian products among Singaporean consumers while creating new avenues for exporters.
The ministerial visit comes against the backdrop of the fourth India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) and the fourth India-Singapore Business Roundtable (ISBR), which are focused on deepening economic, trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.
The Indian delegation is being led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and includes Goyal, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada.
Nearly 70 senior Indian business leaders from sectors such as technology, software, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, engineering, infrastructure, sustainability, financial services, fintech, healthcare, life sciences, food and agriculture, logistics, maritime services and professional services are accompanying the delegation.
The fourth ISMR, held on August 20, reviewed the progress made since the previous roundtable in New Delhi in August 2025. Discussions also focused on accelerating the implementation of the roadmap under the India-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The ministerial mechanism serves as a key platform for reviewing and advancing bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Jaishankar also met Singapore Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong alongside Sitharaman, Goyal and Prasada. The leaders discussed developments across various areas of bilateral relations and explored ways to further strengthen the partnership.
The discussions covered economic cooperation, digitalisation, connectivity, skills development and sustainability, with both sides reviewing progress under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership roadmap.
The accompanying business delegation is participating in business to business, government to business and institutional engagements aimed at expanding investment opportunities, improving market access, encouraging technology partnerships and developing skilled talent.
Indian ministers are also holding meetings with Singaporean counterparts and business leaders and visiting Centres of Excellence and skilling institutions as part of the programme.
Government to business engagements during the visit have included discussions with representatives of organisations and companies such as the Global Finance & Technology Network, YPO Global, Milken Institute, Keppel Infrastructure, Temasek Holdings and IHH Healthcare. A Family Office Roundtable was also held.
The push to expand agricultural exports comes as India seeks to diversify its overseas markets and increase the value of its processed food shipments. Greater access to Singapore’s retail network could provide Indian producers with a platform to reach consumers in other regional markets.
Singapore remains a major economic partner for India and was the country’s largest source of foreign direct investment during FY2025-26, with inflows of USD 19.8 billion.
According to the Commerce Ministry, cumulative FDI from Singapore reached USD 194.68 billion between April 2000 and March 2026.
Bilateral trade has also expanded considerably over the years. Trade between India and Singapore increased from USD 6.7 billion in FY2004-05 to USD 36.1 billion in FY2025-26, reflecting the growing depth of commercial ties.
The latest agri food promotion therefore forms part of a broader effort to strengthen India-Singapore economic relations while providing Indian producers with greater access to international consumers and regional supply chains.