ASEAN Ports Urged To Boost Cooperation
By James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - "Effective implementation of regional ports-related programmes, projects and activities requires coordinated and concerted effort by all members of the Asean Ports Association (APA) to ensure a safe, secure, efficient competitive and orderly maritime transport in the Asean region."

This was stated by Pg Haji Abd Rahman bin PST Pg Haji Ismail, Director of Ports and guest of honour, at the opening of the APA Seminar on Exchange in Port Development Projects.

The seminar, which carries the theme "Operating Safe, Secure and Efficient APA Ports", was held at Centrepoint Hotel yesterday morning.

Pg Haji Abd Rahman stressed that APA has a very important role to play in ensuring related port programmes, activities and projects of the Asean Transport Plan (ATAP) 2005-2010 are implemented effectively within the current cycle of the cooperation plan in support of development of the Asean Economic Community as envisioned by Asean leaders.

He added that the Asean region is one of the fastest growing regions in the world with an annual average growth of about 7.4 per cent in terms of container movement.

In 2002, the Asean region recorded about 40 million TEUs container port demand and about 20 million TEUs tranship.

The region is at the maritime crossroads of the East and West and as such, improvements in efficiency of Asean ports, shipping services and land transport access, will offer a greater scope for increased trade competitiveness for Asean, the Director of Ports added.

"Ports, as one of the transport nodes in the supply chain, need to be well-managed to enhance efficiency and competitiveness," Pg Haji Abd Rahman said.

He highlighted the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code, which took effect on July 1, 2004, that requires each port facility to take the necessary measures in ensuring the safe and secure operation of each port facility.

The ISPS code requires three aspects of security to be met - facility security, vessel security and container security. All the 11 port facilities in Brunei Darussalam comply with the requirements.

Pg Haji Abd Rahman added that he hoped the APA seminar, which is hosted by Brunei, will enable ports to improve services, activities, planning and development through the exchange of data, information and practises in order to enhance competitiveness of ports and boost growth of maritime trade.

After his speech, Pg Haji Abd Rahman officially launched the seminar by hitting a gong.

Around 30 delegates consisting of government officials and representatives of private sectors from seven APA member's countries and with Myanmar as observer attended the seminar. The seminar was chaired by Haji Souyono bin Salamat, the Deputy Director of Ports. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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