Singapore–United States Free Trade Agreement: Difference between revisions

Singapore–United States Free Trade Agreement
Long title	United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act
Acronyms (colloquial)	USSFTA
Nicknames	U.S. & Singapore Free Trade Pact
Enacted by	the 108th United States Congress
Effective	January 1, 2004
Citations
Public law	108-78
Statutes at Large	117 Stat. 948
Legislative history
	Introduced in the House as H.R. 2739 by Tom Delay (R–Texas) on July 15 , 2003; Passed the House on July 24, 2003 (272-155, Roll call vote 432, via Clerk.House.gov); Passed the Senate on July 31, 2003 (66-32); Signed into law by President George W. Bush on September 3, 2003;

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The United States–Singapore Free Trade Agreement was signed 6 May 2003 and ratified by the US House of Representatives on 24 July 2003 by a vote of 272-155. The US Senate ratified the bill on 31 July 2003 by a vote of 66-32.^[1] President George W. Bush signed into law the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act on 3 September 2003.^[2] The trade pact was implemented by both countries on 1 January 2004.

In addition to lowering of tariffs, the agreement also allowed easier movement of citizens from both countries. With its implementation, it became possible for some Singaporean citizens to reside in the United States for extended periods of time. Business people and traders with E1 or E2 visa are now allowed a two-year stay period but an indefinite extension is allowed. Professionals with H-1B1 visa are allowed to stay for a maximum period of up to 18 months but indefinite extension can be applied for. There is an annual quota of 5,400 visa for Singaporeans, but this quota has yet to be reached to date. Any unused quota is transferred to the general pool for use by citizens of other countries.^[3]

United States citizens coming to Singapore are allowed to work in most business occupations for 3 months without a visa or Professional Visit Pass.

Competition chapter

Chapter 12 of the agreement proscribes conduct to promote competitive market behavior.^[4] The chapter broke new ground among U.S. FTAs for its obligations related to government enterprises. A government enterprise was a "covered entity" for purposes of the FTA if the Government of Singapore owned any special voting shares, with the exception of enterprises operating only for investing Singapore Government reserves.^[5] Even if the Singapore Government did not own any shares in an enterprise, enterprises with revenue over an adjusted threshold could still be a covered entity if there was "effective influence" from the Government. Effective influence exists where the government owns more than 50% of the voting rights, or can exercise substantial influence over the management. If the government owns less than 50% of the voting shares, but more than 20%, there is a presumption of effective influence that the Government of Singapore can rebut.^[6]

Having broadly defined government enterprises, the chapter goes on to proscribe several obligations subject to the FTAs dispute settlement provisions.^[7] Singapore agreed to ensure that its government enterprises acted in accordance with commercial considerations and that they do not enter into anti-competitive dealings with competitors.^[8] Singapore also agreed to annually publish a report detailing its ownership and relationship with all covered entities, offer the names of any government officials serving as officers or directors, and the entity's annual revenue or total assets.^[9] Furthermore, Singapore is obligated to take no action or attempt at influencing decisions of its government enterprises, and at the same time continually reduce, with the goal of substantially eliminating, its ownership and other interests in enterprises.^[10]

Views in favor of US-Singapore FTA

Proponents of the US-Singapore FTA claim that the reduction of trade barriers between the two countries will lead to a growth in exports.

USTR Site on Singapore FTA

Views opposed to the US-Singapore FTA

In announcing the deal, President Bush hailed Singapore as "a strong partner in the war on terrorism and a member of the coalition on Iraq." Asia Times columnist Jeffrey Robertson argued that the deal was a reward for Singapore's support of the Iraq invasion. The suggested quid pro quo may be dubious, since the FTA negotiations with Singapore were begun by President Clinton and concluded around the same time as the FTA with Chile (also started by Clinton), which was not a coalition partner.^[11]^[12]^[13]

Citizens' Trade Campaign Site on Singapore FTA

See more

References

^ "United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (2003 - H.R. 2739)". GovTrack.us. Retrieved March 27, 2019.
^ "President Bush Signs Chile, Singapore Free Trade Agreement Bills". georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov. Retrieved March 27, 2019.
^ "Free Trade Agreements | Enterprise Singapore". www.enterprisesg.gov.sg. Retrieved March 27, 2019.
^ Final Text of the Agreement
^ Article 12.8
^ Article 12.8(5)
^ Article 12.3(2)
^ Article 12.3(2)(d)
^ Article 12.3(g)
^ Article 12.3.(2)(e)-(f)
^ President Signed U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement
^ Asia Times Online :: Global Economy
^ "USTR - Quick Facts: U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement". Archived from the original on January 14, 2009. Retrieved February 3, 2009.

Other references

[1] "United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (2003 - H.R. 2739)". GovTrack.us. Retrieved March 27, 2019.

[2] "President Bush Signs Chile, Singapore Free Trade Agreement Bills". georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov. Retrieved March 27, 2019.

[3] "Free Trade Agreements | Enterprise Singapore". www.enterprisesg.gov.sg. Retrieved March 27, 2019.

[4] Final Text of the Agreement

[5] Article 12.8

[6] Article 12.8(5)

[7] Article 12.3(2)

[8] Article 12.3(2)(d)

[9] Article 12.3(g)

[10] Article 12.3.(2)(e)-(f)

[11] President Signed U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement

[12] Asia Times Online :: Global Economy

[13] "USTR - Quick Facts: U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement". Archived from the original on January 14, 2009. Retrieved February 3, 2009.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Use American English|date = March 2019}}
-'''The [[United States]]-[[Singapore]] [[Free Trade Agreement]]''' was signed 6 May 2003 and ratified by the [[US House of Representatives]] on 24 July 2003 by a vote of 272-155. The [[US Senate]] ratified the bill on 31 July 2003 by a vote of 66-32.[http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h108-2739] President [[George W. Bush]] signed into law the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act on 3 September 2003. [http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2003/09/20030903-3.html] The trade pact was implemented by both countries on 1 January 2004.
+{{Short description|H1-B visa variant issued to citizens of Singapore and Chile, and 2003 American tariff law}}
-[[File:SingaporeUS FreeTrade.jpg|thumb|208pix|Prime Minister [[Goh Chok Tong]] and U.S. President [[George W. Bush]] signing the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement in the [[White House]], May 6, 2003. In the background [[Robert Zoellick]] and [[Colin Powell]]]]
+{{Use mdy dates|date = March 2019}}
+'''The United States–Singapore Free Trade Agreement''' was signed 6 May 2003 and ratified by the [[US House of Representatives]] on 24 July 2003 by a vote of 272-155. The [[US Senate]] ratified the bill on 31 July 2003 by a vote of 66-32.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/108/hr2739|title=United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (2003 - H.R. 2739)|website=GovTrack.us|language=en|access-date=2019-03-27}}</ref> President [[George W. Bush]] signed into law the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act on 3 September 2003.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2003/09/20030903-3.html|title=President Bush Signs Chile, Singapore Free Trade Agreement Bills|website=georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov|access-date=2019-03-27}}</ref> The trade pact was implemented by both countries on 1 January 2004.
-In addition to lowering of tariffs, the agreement also allowed easier movement of citizens from both countries. With its implementation, it became possible for some Singaporean citizens to reside in the United States for extended periods of time.  Business people and traders with E1 or E2 visa are now allowed a two-year stay period but an indefinite extension is allowed.
+[[File:SingaporeUS FreeTrade.jpg|thumb|208px|Prime Minister [[Goh Chok Tong]] and U.S. President [[George W. Bush]] signing the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement in the [[White House]], May 6, 2003. In the background [[Robert Zoellick]] and [[Colin Powell]]]]
-Professionals with H-1B1 visa are allowed to stay for a maximum period of up to 18 months but indefinite extension can be applied for.  There is an annual quota of 5,400 visa for Singaporeans, but this quota has yet to be reached to date.  Any unused quota is transferred to the general pool for use by citizens of other countries.<ref>[http://www.iesingapore.gov.sg/wps/portal/!ut/p/kcxml/04_Sj9SPykssy0xPLMnMz0vM0Y_QjzKLN4g3C_UFSYGY5oFm-pFoYo4YImah3phiIWEIMV-P_NxU_SB9b_0A_YLc0NDQiHJHAAF8_pE!/delta/base64xml/L3dJdyEvd0ZNQUFzQUMvNElVRS82XzBfNlYw Singapore's Official FTA Website<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
+In addition to lowering of tariffs, the agreement also allowed easier movement of citizens from both countries. With its implementation, it became possible for some Singaporean citizens to reside in the United States for extended periods of time.  Business people and traders with E1 or E2 visa are now allowed a two-year stay period but an indefinite extension is allowed. Professionals with H-1B1 visa are allowed to stay for a maximum period of up to 18 months but indefinite extension can be applied for.  There is an annual quota of 5,400 visa for Singaporeans, but this quota has yet to be reached to date.  Any unused quota is transferred to the general pool for use by citizens of other countries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/non-financial-assistance/for-singapore-companies/free-trade-agreements/ftas/overview|title=Free Trade Agreements {{!}} Enterprise Singapore|website=www.enterprisesg.gov.sg|language=en|access-date=2019-03-27}}</ref>
 United States citizens coming to Singapore are allowed to work in most business occupations for 3 months without a visa or Professional Visit Pass.
 ==Competition chapter==
+{{Infobox U.S. legislation
+| shorttitle        =
+| othershorttitles  =
+| longtitle         = United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act
+| colloquialacronym = USSFTA
+| nickname          = U.S. & Singapore Free Trade Pact
+| enacted by        = 108th
+| effective date    = January 1, 2004
+| public law url    = https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/PLAW-108publ78/pdf/PLAW-108publ78.pdf
+| cite public law   = 108-78
+| cite statutes at large = {{usstat|117|948}}
+| acts amended    =
+| acts repealed   =
+| title amended   =
+| sections created =
+| sections amended =
+| leghisturl      =
+| introducedin    = House
+| introducedbill  = {{USBill|108|H.R.|2739}}
+| introducedby    = [[Tom Delay]] ([[Republican Party (United States)|R]]–[[Texas]])
+| introduceddate  = July 15 , 2003
+| committees      =
+| passedbody1     = House
+| passeddate1     = July 24, 2003
+| passedvote1     = 272-155, {{USHRollCall|2003|432}}
+| passedbody2     = Senate
+| passeddate2     = July 31, 2003
+| passedvote2     =  [https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1081/vote_108_1_00318.htm 66-32]
+| conferencedate  =
+| passedbody3     =
+| passeddate3     =
+| passedvote3     =
+| agreedbody3     =
+| agreeddate3     =
+| agreedvote3     =
+| agreedbody4     = <!-- used if agreedbody3 further amends legislation -->
+| agreeddate4     = <!-- used if agreedbody3 further amends legislation -->
+| agreedvote4     = <!-- used if agreedbody3 further amends legislation -->
+| passedbody4     =
+| passeddate4     =
+| passedvote4     =
+| signedpresident = [[George W. Bush]]
+| signeddate      = September 3, 2003
+}}
 Chapter 12 of the agreement proscribes conduct to promote competitive market behavior.<ref>[http://www.ustr.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/agreements/fta/singapore/asset_upload_file708_4036.pdf Final Text of the Agreement]</ref>  The chapter broke new ground among U.S. FTAs for its obligations related to [[Government-owned corporation|government enterprises]].  A government enterprise was a "covered entity" for purposes of the FTA if the Government of Singapore owned any special voting shares, with the exception of enterprises operating only for investing Singapore Government reserves.<ref>Article 12.8</ref>  Even if the Singapore Government did not own any shares in an enterprise, enterprises with revenue over an adjusted threshold could still be a covered entity if there was ''"effective influence"'' from the Government.  Effective influence exists where the government owns more than 50% of the voting rights, or can exercise substantial influence over the management.  If the government owns less than 50% of the voting shares, but more than 20%, there is a presumption of effective influence that the Government of Singapore can rebut.<ref>Article 12.8(5)</ref>
@@ Line 15: / Line 62: @@
 Proponents of the US-Singapore FTA claim that the reduction of trade barriers between the two countries will lead to a growth in exports.
-*[http://ustr.gov/Trade_Agreements/Bilateral/Singapore_FTA/Section_Index.html USTR Site on Singapore FTA]
+*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060720113223/http://www.ustr.gov/Trade_Agreements/Bilateral/Singapore_FTA/Section_Index.html USTR Site on Singapore FTA]
 ==Views opposed to the US-Singapore FTA==
-In announcing the deal, President Bush hailed Singapore as "a strong partner in the war on terrorism and a member of the coalition on Iraq." [[Asia Times]] columnist Jeffrey Robertson argued that the deal was a reward for Singapore's support of the Iraq invasion. The suggested quid pro quo may be dubious, since the FTA negotiations with Singapore were begun by President Clinton and concluded around the same time as the FTA with Chile (also started by Clinton), which was not a coalition partner.<ref>[http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2003/05/20030506-11.html President Signed U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Asian_Economy/GG12Dk01.html Asia Times Online :: Global Economy]</ref><ref>http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Fact_Sheets/2003/Quick_Facts_US-Singapore_Free_Trade_Agreement.html</ref><ref>http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Fact_Sheets/2002/Free_Trade_with_Chile_Significant_New_US_Access_to_South_America%27s_Most_Dynamic_Economy.html</ref>
+In announcing the deal, President Bush hailed Singapore as "a strong partner in the war on terrorism and a member of the coalition on Iraq." [[Asia Times]] columnist Jeffrey Robertson argued that the deal was a reward for Singapore's support of the Iraq invasion. The suggested ''quid pro quo'' may be dubious, since the FTA negotiations with Singapore were begun by President Clinton and concluded around the same time as the FTA with Chile (also started by Clinton), which was not a coalition partner.<ref>[https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2003/05/20030506-11.html President Signed U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Asian_Economy/GG12Dk01.html Asia Times Online :: Global Economy]</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Fact_Sheets/2003/Quick_Facts_US-Singapore_Free_Trade_Agreement.html |title=USTR - Quick Facts: U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement |accessdate=2009-02-03 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114183556/http://ustr.gov/Document_Library/Fact_Sheets/2003/Quick_Facts_US-Singapore_Free_Trade_Agreement.html |archivedate=2009-01-14 }}</ref>
 *[http://www.citizenstrade.org/ctc/trade-policies/existing-trade-agreements/other-bilateral-trade-agreements/u-s-singapore-free-trade-agreement/ Citizens' Trade Campaign Site on Singapore FTA]
+== See more==
+*[[Rules of Origin]]
+*[[Market access]]
+*[[Free-trade area]]
+*[[Tariffs]]
 ==References==
@@ Line 26: / Line 80: @@
 ==Other references==
 *[http://www.opencrs.com/document/RS20755/ Congressional Research Service Report on Singapore FTA]
-*[http://www.opencrs.com/document/RS21560/ Congressional Research Service Report on "Free Trade Agreements with Singapore and Chile: Labor Issues"]
+*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070310213712/http://www.opencrs.com/document/RS21560/ Congressional Research Service Report on "Free Trade Agreements with Singapore and Chile: Labor Issues"]
 *[http://www.ustr.gov/archive/Document_Library/Fact_Sheets/2003/Quick_Facts_US-Singapore_Free_Trade_Agreement.html U.S. Senate Finance Committee Hearing on US-Singapore FTA]
-{{Free trade agreements of the United States|state=uncollapsed}}
+{{George W. Bush}}
+{{Free trade agreements of the United States}}
 {{DEFAULTSORT:Singapore-United States Free Trade Agreement}}
+[[Category:2003 in Singapore]]
+[[Category:2003 in the United States]]
 [[Category:Economy of Singapore]]
 [[Category:Free trade agreements of the United States]]
-[[Category:Treaties of Singapore]]
 [[Category:Treaties concluded in 2003]]
 [[Category:Treaties entered into force in 2004]]
 [[Category:Singapore–United States relations]]
-[[Category:Foreign trade of Singapore]]
+[[Category:Free trade agreements of Singapore]]
+[[Category:Foreign policy of the George W. Bush administration]]