Minister of Transport Dinh La Thang and his counterparts from ASEAN nations (Source: VNA)Transport ministers from ASEAN, China and Japan pledged to further cooperation in enhancing transport links in the region, as heard conferences held in Malaysia on November 5 in the framework of the 21 st ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting (ATM-21).
The 14 th ASEAN and China Transport Ministers Meeting (ATM+China), co-chaired by Malaysian Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai and his Chinese counterpart Yang Chuantang, reiterated the commitment of ASEAN and China to strengthening regional transport connection and urged their senior officials to prioritise large projects on railway, road, civil aviation and waterways to facilitate regional trade and investment attraction.
The ministers discussed initiatives to promote ASEAN-China collaboration in transport technology and marine training, and improve workforce’s capacity to meet demand of the regional and global marine development.
They applauded the completion of Singapore-Kunming Rail Link (SKRL) and rail bridges connecting Cambodia and Thailand.
Meanwhile, at the 13rd ASEAN and Japan Transport Ministers Meeting (ATM+ Japan), the ministers welcomed the implementation of key transport projects under the ASEAN-Japan Transport Partnership (AJTP) established in 2003, aiming at promoting regional traffic connection.
They hoped to receive further support from Japan to carry out the Kuala Lumpur Transport Strategic Action Plan for 2016-2025.
The ministers also expressed their delight at the progress of 25 projects during 2014-2015 as well as the operation of the ASEAN- Japan Working Group on Regional Air Service Arrangement (AJWG-RASA).
The conference adopted the ASEAN-Japan working programme for the 2015-2016 period to boost transport quality under the Pakse Action plan.
The 15 th ATM+ China and 14 th ATM+ Japan are scheduled to be held in the Philippines next year.-VNA
