The new Green Economy Partnership Agreement aims to align trade with climate action and unlock green growth.
In a decisive move at APEC 2025, Singapore, Chile, and New Zealand have launched negotiations for a landmark green trade deal, reinforcing their shared commitment to climate action through modernized trade frameworks.
GEPA: A New Trade Era Begins
On October 31, 2025, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong joined Chilean President Gabriel Boric and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to announce the start of negotiations for the Green Economy Partnership Agreement (GEPA) in Gyeongju, South Korea. The announcement, made on the sidelines of the APEC leaders’ summit, sets the stage for a progressive and environmentally aligned trade pact.
GEPA will address emerging green economy sectors such as sustainable aviation fuel, carbon credit trading, and renewable energy certificates. The agreement will also tackle trade-related climate measures and propose new standards for low-carbon economic growth.
Aimed at Modernizing Global Trade
PM Wong said the agreement will “set common rules and standards” to create coherence in green trade policies. “By doing so, GEPA will lower trade barriers while accelerating the green transition,” he said. It’s expected to support the global flow of environmental goods and services, attract sustainable investments, and create jobs in green sectors.
This marks another pioneering move from the three countries, who were instrumental in forming the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership and the first Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA).
Why GEPA Matters Now
Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) emphasized that geopolitical shifts and climate policies are reshaping business landscapes. Regulatory uncertainty and climate-driven trade demands are converging, creating both pressure and opportunity for exporters and policymakers alike.
GEPA is positioned as a response to this complexity—offering aligned trade frameworks that support environmental goals, reduce compliance burdens, and facilitate cooperation on sustainability standards.
Shared Vision, Global Impact
New Zealand PM Luxon highlighted that resilient and greener economies are becoming a global priority. But he noted that businesses are facing challenges due to shifting regulations and compliance costs. “This is where our partnership can reduce the burden—through coordination and common standards,” he said.
Chilean President Boric added that GEPA reflects a broader shift toward sustainable development models and demonstrates leadership in a space where consensus is not yet global. “We are becoming a reference point for others,” he said.
Building on Past Success
The trio has a strong track record in innovation-focused trade pacts. By applying that same collaborative model to green trade, they hope to create a scalable framework for future partners to join. GEPA is expected to inspire similar initiatives globally as countries seek practical models for balancing trade growth and climate commitments.
The launch of GEPA negotiations marks a new chapter in climate-conscious economic diplomacy. By aligning trade with sustainability, Singapore, Chile, and New Zealand are laying the groundwork for a green economy model that’s globally relevant and future-focused. As the world seeks resilient pathways to economic recovery, this tripartite pact sends a powerful message: trade can be a driver for good—advancing growth while protecting the planet.
Sources: The Straits Times (2025) , CNA (2025)
Keywords: GEPA, Singapore Chile New Zealand, Green Economy, Sustainable Trade, Climate Action, Lawrence Wong
