The 48th ASEAN Senior Transport Officials Meeting (STOM 48) and Associated Dialogue Partner Meetings kick off in Hanoi on November 11. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The 48th ASEAN SeniorTransport Officials Meeting (STOM 48) and Associated Dialogue Partner Meetingskicked off in Hanoi on November 11.
The events brought together about 200 delegates from 10 membercountries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), three partnercountries namely Japan, the Republic of Korea (RoK) and China, the ASEANSecretariat and the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC).
In his remarks, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Transport Le AnhTuan said ASEAN member countries have closely coordinated with each other toeffectively implement various strategic targets and priorities set in the KualaLumpur Transport Strategic Plan 2016-2025.
They have also cooperated with dialogue partners, especiallyChina, Japan and the RoK, to meet demands for regional and inter-regionaltransport connectivity, while joining hands with international organisations inthe research and application of cutting-edge technologies to optimise benefitsbrought about by transport connectivity, contributing to spurring economicgrowth in ASEAN, he said.
Tuan suggested the delegates focus their discussions on someissues in preparation for the 25th ASEAN Transport Ministers’Meeting (ATM 25) slated for November 14-15.
The official proposed continuing to build united aviation andnavigation markets in ASEAN and realise agreements that aim to facilitatecross-border passenger and freight transportation.
The meeting will seek ways to soon complete procedures for thesigning of international treaties like the Protocol to Implement the 11th Package of Commitments under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services, and the ASEANAgreement on Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Cooperation, and push aheadwith the ratification of relevant signed agreements.
Vietnam has closely coordinated with other ASEAN member countriesto build a regional sustainable transport system, thus contributing topromoting integration and enhancing the 10-member grouping’s competitiveness,Tuan said.
The official stressed that Vietnam, together with other ASEANcountries, will join hands with dialogue partners to achieve the targets set atthe Kuala Lumpur Transport Strategic Plan 2016-2025.
The meetings will last until November 13./.
VNA
