New Delhi, May 4 -- Singapore and New Zealand signed an agreement on Monday to keep supply chains open during times of crisis, with both sides saying it could serve as a model for other countries to build a network of trusted partners, The Straits Times reported.

The Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies was signed during New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's visit to Singapore, where he met his counterpart, Lawrence Wong. The pact comes as global energy markets are disrupted by the war in the Middle East.

The agreement, first concluded during Wong's visit to New Zealand in October last year, ensures both countries can continue trading a set list of essential goods during crises, including fuel, medical supplies and construc...