A purchase contract was signed on October 23 with the witness of US President Donald Trump and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hisen Loong.

Speaking at a joint press briefing after the signing in Washington D.C, Mr. Trump lauded Singapore’s commitment to “fair and reciprocal” trade, the rule of law and international property protection. Such practices had made the Southeast Asian nation “a magnet for business”, the president said.

Mr. Trump expected the deal would create about 70,000 jobs in the US.

“It’s a win-win for both sides. It will further modernise Singapore Airlines’ fleet and also support many American jobs”, said PM Lee Hisen Loong.

According to a report issued by Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry this month, the country posted 4.6 percent in economic growth in the third quarter of 2017, the highest over the past three years. The number was also higher than the projected 3.8 percent by Reuters and the growth of the second quarter that valued at 2.9 percent.