Closing Remarks by Minister Khaw Boon Wan at 23rd ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting and Associated Dialogue Partner Meetings

Fellow ASEAN and Dialogue Partner Transport Ministers,
ASEAN Deputy Secretary General,
Ladies and gentlemen, 

1.     We have had a good series of meetings amongst the ASEAN Transport Ministers, and with our Dialogue Partners - China, Japan and the Republic of Korea. 

2.     I would like to thank all the Ministers and delegates for your contributions.

3.     This year, we have signed five agreements. They are:

(i)    the Protocol to Implement the 10^th Package of Commitments on Air Transport Services under the ASEAN Framework Agreement of Services (AFAS);

(ii)   the Protocol on domestic code-share rights to Annex II (Implementing Protocols) of the ASEAN Multilateral Agreement on the Full Liberalisation of Passenger Air Services;

(iii)  the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Flight Crew Licensing;  

(iv)   the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Cross Border Transport of Passengers by Road Vehicles (CBTP), and the Memorandum of Understanding on ASEAN-China Co-operation on Air Accident and Incident Investigation.

4.     In addition, we have concluded four other agreements. They are:

(i)    the ASEAN Air Traffic Management (ATM) Master Plan;

(ii)   the ASEAN Foreign Operator Safety Assessment programme Terms of Reference;

and under the ASEAN-Japan Transport Partnership,

(iii)  the “Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Guidelines for Ports in ASEAN” and 

(iv)   the “Best Approach Book on User-Friendliness in the Transport Sector”.

5.     This is indeed a significant step forward as we commemorate ASEAN's 50^thanniversary. These achievements would not have been possible without the hard work of the transport officials from the ASEAN Member States, our Dialogue Partner countries, and the ASEAN Secretariat.

6.     The aviation agreements will directly benefit our countries, our companies and our people in the following ways:

(i)    They will further liberalise our air transport ancillary services by going beyond the existing commitments made by ASEAN Member States under the WTO's General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS);

(ii)   They will provide our travellers more flight options and choices to fly to many destinations within ASEAN. This will enable the greater movement of people and goods, benefitting our economies and businesses, and expanding tourism;

(iii)  They will enhance the operation of airlines in ASEAN, by allowing ASEAN Member States to mutually recognise one another's regulations such as flight crew licences; and

(iv)   They will strengthen aviation safety through proactive investigation co-operation among ASEAN members and China.

7.     For the land transport sector, the CBTP Agreement will make it easier for buses and coaches from one ASEAN country to enter another ASEAN country.  Upon implementation, our citizens will find it more convenient to travel by bus within the ASEAN region, be it for business or for leisure.  This will create more commercial and investment opportunities, especially for our trade and tourism sectors.  Our citizens will also find it easier to interact with one another, deepening social and cultural understanding within the ASEAN community.

8.     As Transport Ministers, we are mindful that transport is a critical enabler of our economic development. We will continue to work closely together to expand our transport links and connectivity, while ensuring safety, security and efficiency.

9.     Our commitment to ASEAN's transport co-operation will help us achieve ASEAN's Vision 2020 and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025.  It will make a real difference to raising the quality of life for our people, creating good paying jobs and contributing to peace and stability in the region.

10.    On this note, I wish all our ASEAN and Dialogue Partner friends a pleasant stay in Singapore, and safe journey home. I now declare the 23^rd ASEAN Transport Ministers and associated Dialogue Partner Meetings closed.

Thank you.