GAN KIM YONG
Minister for Trade and Industry
Attachments
APPENDIX: Governance, implementation and institutional matters
Governance structure
15. A joint implementation team, the GEA Action Team (GAT) is established to oversee the implementation of the areas of cooperation and associated initiatives set out in the GEA.
16. The GAT will comprise:
(a) for Australia: officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; and
(b) for Singapore: officers of the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, and be co-chaired by senior officers on both sides.
17. The GAT will meet regularly and as required, and report under the CSP to (i) the Singapore-Australia Joint Ministerial Committee Meeting (SAJMC) and (ii) the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM).
18. Any decision by the GAT will be taken by consensus of the Co-Chairpersons.
Information Exchange
19. Australia and Singapore will not disclose any confidential information obtained pursuant to or arising from the implementation of the GEA to a third party unless:
(a) the country that provided the information has consented in writing;
(b) the domestic law of either Australia or Singapore receiving the information requires or authorises such disclosure; or
(c) the information is already publicly available.
Funding arrangements
20. Australia and Singapore will each bear their own costs associated with the implementation of the GEA unless otherwise decided by Australia and Singapore.
Institutional matters
21. The GEA is a framework agreement that serves as a record of Australia's and Singapore's understanding, and will be implemented subject to, and in accordance with the respective laws, policies and international legal obligations of Australia and Singapore. The GEA does not create binding obligations between Australia and Singapore or between Australia or Singapore and any third party.
22. Nothing in the GEA will alter or affect any existing agreements or arrangements between Australia and Singapore. Australia and Singapore may amend their existing agreements or negotiate new agreements to implement initiatives conducted under the auspices of the GEA, where required.
23. This Appendix and the Annexes are an integral part of the GEA.
24. Unless otherwise jointly decided, Australia and Singapore will settle any difference or dispute relating to or arising from the GEA amicably through consultations and negotiations in good faith between Australia and Singapore without reference to any international court, tribunal or other forum.
Amendment and Termination
25. The GEA may be amended at any time with the written consent of Australia and Singapore, and such amendments will come into effect on such date as decided by Australia and Singapore. The GAT may amend Annexes A and B by consensus of its Co-Chairpersons.
26. Either Australia or Singapore may give written notice to terminate the GEA. The GEA will be terminated 6 months after such notice is received by Australia or Singapore, as the case may be.
27. The termination of the GEA will not affect the validity, duration and completion of any project or activity undertaken pursuant to the GEA prior to the date of termination unless otherwise decided by Australia and Singapore.