ABOUT FUTURE OF TRADE FORUM

Inaugurated in 2024, the Future of Trade Forum (FOTF) is SBF’s strategic platform and a high-level public-private forum that builds on the foundations of the earlier Free Trade Agreement Day events held in 2019, 2020 and 2022. It was conceived in response to a rapidly evolving trade environment marked by growing pressures on the multilateral trading system, rising border and regulatory measures, and the increasing prominence of sustainability considerations. These challenges have become even more pronounced in 2026.

FOTF 2026 will bring together global and regional government, industry and thought leaders to discuss the next phase of globalisation. As geopolitical, technological and climate fault lines deepen, the Forum shifts its focus from diagnosing disruption to co-designing a more diversified, digital and decarbonised trade architecture, while preserving openness and rules-based cooperation.

Participants can look forward to engaging panel discussions on the impact of geopolitics on ASEAN trade, digital trade enablers, and developments in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) landscape. Breakout sessions will also cover sustainable trade practices, trade compliance and FTA utilisation, as well as enterprise internationalisation support, complemented by practical tools and resources for businesses.