The 46th ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group (MTWG) Meeting concluded on Wednesday, marking a milestone in fostering regional cooperation and maritime advancement within the regional community.
The three-day event was opened by Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) Ir Haji Mohammad Nazri bin Haji Mohammad Yusof on Monday, who in a speech emphasised the significance of the gathering in advancing maritime cooperation in the ASEAN region and realising the objectives of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).
He also underlined the role of transportation connectivity in fostering economic growth and prosperity in the region, drawing on key initiatives such as the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity that seeks to fortify logistical networks, expediting trade and promoting tourism.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the maritime sector, including climate change and digitalisation, the permanent secretary underlines the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to address them while ensuring the safety and sustainability of the operations.
The gathering, chaired by Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam’s (MPABD) assistant chief executive Salmaya Rahayu binti Salleh, focused on transport development and strategies, sustainable maritime transport initiatives, collaboration with private organisations, and emerging issues in the maritime sector.
The adoption of the ASEAN Transport Strategic Plan 2026-2030 will play a vital role in advancing sustainable and secure maritime transport systems to ensure economic prosperity and environmental preservation.
As a component of the meeting, a ship waste management workshop was held on Wednesday to promote sustainable practices in the maritime sector.
The MPABD will chair and host the MTWG meeting for two years before handing the chairmanship to Cambodia in 2026. – James Kon
