Minister Robyn Cahill leads trade mission into Singapore with high tech target and SunCable talks
A major international partnership could be on the horizon as the NT government looks to Asia for digital opportunities.
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The Territory’s interest in SunCable’s Australia-Asia Power Link remains alive.
A high-profile Northern Territory delegation has landed in Singapore to push for investment in the NT’s growing digital economy.
Heading the trade mission is Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill who also confirmed she has plans to meet with SunCable to further discuss the ambitious project.
Australia-Asia Power Link, a major renewable energy project that aims to export solar power from the Northern Territory to Asia.
Northern Territory-based energy company SunCable has signed a non-binding agreement with Singapore’s Energy Market Authority to supply 1.75 gigawatts of low-carbon electricity from Australia.
If the company’s Australia-Asia Power Link project reaches final investment decision, SunCable wants to produce renewable power including the export of 1.75GW of green electricity to Singapore and 4GW for the Northern Territory.
Minster Cahill headed off on the trade mission on Qantas’s inaugural Darwin-Singapore service which flew out Sunday afternoon, marking a new era of connectivity between the two regions.
She gave no details on what would be discussed at the SunCable meeting, instead focusing on the trade mission’s principal aims to strengthen ties with Singapore’s key tech stakeholders.
Ms Cahill said Singapore was a key partner in boosting the NT’s digital capabilities and positioning Darwin as a major player in regional security and economic stability.
“The Northern Territory is a dynamic and forward-thinking region that presents a wealth of opportunities for Singaporean businesses and institutions looking to test, refine and scale their innovations in a real-world environment,” she said.
“With its strategic location in Asia, Darwin is poised to become a cornerstone of global digital connectivity.
“Our government is progressing engagement with Singapore’s thriving technology and research sectors to create a shared future of digital growth and sustainability.
“This is an exciting time for the Territory as we strengthen our international relationships and build the foundations for a thriving digital economy.”
Minister Cahill said the trip aligns with the Finocchiaro CLP Government’s focus on 2025 as a “year of action, certainty and security” and supports its Rebuilding the Economy Strategy 2025-2028.
The strategy aims to create jobs, attract investment, and strengthen the NT’s economic future.
Airport Development Group Executive General Manager Rob Porter said Darwin’s connectivity with Singapore is stronger than ever, with the airport now fully prepared for increased international traffic.
“The great news is that the runway work is just about completed and we’re back and we’re open for business,” Mr Porter said.
“We’ve now got the 737 now serving flights to Singapore.
“The airport is ready and we are ready for growth, and we’ve got great support from our government and we’ve got great support from the airlines.”
As the Territory continues to position itself as a leader in digital growth, the government hopes this visit will lay the groundwork for major international partnerships.
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