Singapore bets on ‘early-mover’ edge in labour pact with East Timor

Singapore’s decision to open more labour channels to workers from East Timor could give the city state an “early-mover” edge in an emerging Asean market, though the economic gains are expected to take years.Analysts also say both countries, whose leaders met last week in the capital of Asean’s newest member, are looking at a “win-win” situation, with the deal set to ease Singapore’s structural manpower shortage while giving Dili a chance to better utilise its young and growing population.On Friday, Lawrence Wong, who became the first Singaporean prime minister to make an official trip to East Timor, said his country would open the construction, marine shipyard and process sectors, as well as selected occupations in the manufacturing and services industries, to workers from East Timor next year.