SINGAPORE
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FROM ITS COLONIAL FOUNDATIONS AS A PORT CITY IN 1819, SINGAPORE HAS SINCE ACCOMPLISHED MANY ECONOMIC ACHIEVEMENTS THAT SEES THE CITY-STATE STAND OUT AS A VITAL HUB FOR GLOBAL TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS.
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ingapore, according to DHL, handled 36.9 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containers in 2020, little changed from the 37.2 million TEUs in 2019. It also retained its position as the world’s largest bunkering port in 2020, recording marine fuel sales of almost 49.8 million metric tons. Amid a global pandemic that has severely disrupted supply chains, Singapore’s strong maritime performance was a clear indication of how it has strengthened its status as a global logistics hub. The country ranked second out of 169 countries in DHL’s Global Connectedness Index 2020, which measures the development of trade, capital, information, and people flows at the global, regional, and national levels. “Singapore’s leadership recognised the importance of trade to our economy very early on,” said DHL Express Singapore Managing Director, Christopher Ong. “As we grew as a country, and we saw globalisation taking root, there was a huge focus in ensuring that there was a free flow of goods and services, which has empowered our success as a logistics hub.” World class infrastructure has played a role in Singapore’s success, particularly as
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it is reported to be home to the world’s busiest trans-shipment seaport and one of Asia’s largest cargo airports, Changi. These hubs enable global trade and remain as important as ever amid the ongoing impact of Covid-19. DHL said there are plans to double the annual cargo handling capacity at Changi Airport from 3.0 million to 5.4 million tonnes. It houses the 26-hectare Airport Logistics Park of Singapore, the country’s first logistics park with Free Trade Zone status when it opened in 2003. Beyond being recognised for its first-rate infrastructure and connectivity, it is also known for its capabilities in handling timesensitive cargo and cold-chain perishables. In line with this, Singapore’s reputation as
