Minister for Trade and Industry of Singapore Chan Chun Sing speaks at the 6th International Maritime Security Conference (Photo: mindef.gov.sg)Singapore (VNA) – Building trust to encourage peace dialogues and compromise iskey to dealing with complex marine security challenges which are threateningtrade networks, said Minister for Trade and Industry of Singapore Chan ChunSing.
Chan madehis statement while delivering the keynote address at the opening dinner of thesixth International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC) in Singapore on May 14.
In his address,Chan mentioned challenges in piracy and terrorism, noting that an underestimationof an attack at chokepoints like the Panama or Suez Canals could be catastrophicand potentially cut off trade connections between major regions of the world.
He notedthat dealing with maritime terrorism requires close coordination andintelligence sharing among nations.
Chan said anotherpressing concern is maritime cybersecurity, adding that undersea cables whichcarry the world's data are of particular concern as an attack or incident onthe seabed could cut off vital data supporting nations.
He said thatas the global economy grows towards greater data connectivity, the impact ofcyber-attacks will grow, hence a need to secure the cyberspace that maritimetrade runs on.
Themed “Safeand Secure Seas: Mutual Security in our Maritime Commons,” the IMSC has theparticipation of over 400 international representatives from navies and coastguards, maritime industries, and research institutions from more than 40 countriesand territories. The event is held in conjunction with the InternationalMaritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEX) Asia 2019 from May 14 to 16.–VNA
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