Neena Gill (S&D). – Mr President, I rise as a member of Parliament’s ASEAN delegation and strongly believe in this region’s geo-strategic importance for the EU. I’ve had an opportunity to discuss this Agreement with a variety of stakeholders in Singapore, including NGOs and independent trade union representatives, and they all support a stronger partnership between us and their country. It’s especially important given that global trade is in a state of flux. The US is rewriting the rules and can no longer be relied on as a stable trading partner.

I am fully aware that some of my colleagues have reservations, especially around the ratification of the ILO Conventions and sustainability. I, for one, am thoroughly reassured by my colleague, David Martin, one of the rapporteurs, who has done an outstanding job and has succeeded in getting the Singaporeans to address many of our concerns with a letter on behalf of the Prime Minster making commitments on the ILO Conventions and an inclusion in the Agreement that sets benchmarks on sustainable development which go beyond other agreements. It’s not just a feather in your cap, David, but also one for the S&D Group and this Parliament. Well done to both the rapporteurs. I would urge my colleagues to support ...

(The President cut off the speaker)