Transport security tops Yangon meet
By CT Hj Mahmod

Transport security in ensuring a safe and secure transportation system for Asean countries is one of the top priority concerns to be discussed at the 9th Asean Transport Ministers (9th ATM) Meeting held in Yangon, Myanmar from today till October 25.

Minister of Communications, Pehin Dato Hj Zakaria bin Datu Mahawangsa Awg Hj Sulaiman, together with senior officials from the ministry and the relevant departments had already left for Myanmar to attend the ATM meeting, as stated in a press release issued by the ministry yesterday.

Apart from the progress of transport co-operation and development, the Asean Transport Ministers will also be deliberating and adopting the Road Map for Integration of Asean Competitive Air Services that will significantly reinforce the importance of liberalisation of air services both for passengers and cargo in Asean.

The 9th ATM meeting will also monitor the progress of Asean transport co-operation and development.

The 9th Asean Transport Ministers Meeting will be followed by the Asean-China and Asean-Japan Ministerial Meetings where the Asean Transport Ministers will discuss and pursue mutually beneficial co-operation in transport sectors between Asean-China and Asean-Japan.

Meanwhile, the first ATM retreat will be held prior to the ATM Meeting to allow the Asean Transport Ministers to hold a frank discussion and exchange views and fresh approaches to address the emerging and special concerns as well as to reassess existing transport co-operation priorities.

The retreat is expected to produce greater impetus and new directions to Asean co-operation in transport sector to support the aim of a more connected Asean region.

The 9th ATM meeting was preceded by the 16th Senior Transport Officials Meeting which was held from October 20 - 22.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin