Opening Remarks by Senior Minister of State for Transport and Health Dr Lam Pin Min at the Port Authorities Roundtable Video Conference

Distinguished colleagues and friends,

1.     First of all, let me welcome and thank you all for being present in this Port Authorities Roundtable (PAR) COVID-19 declaration.

2.     It is a very challenging time for all the ports during this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. This is a very serious global crisis that has affected global trade. Port operations have been affected by lockdowns in various countries, and the international shipping community has not been spared by the economic downturn caused by COVID-19.

3.     The port and maritime sector plays a very important role in keeping trade going and goods flowing. Now is the time, more than ever, for global supply chains to remain intact. This is critical for the flow of essential goods across the globe, and for global economic recovery.

4.     Singapore’s port is committed to keeping global supply chains going. We have kept our port open and operational since the start of the global COVID-19 crisis.

5.     It is heartening that more than 50 ports from around the world, across Asia, Africa, America, Europe, Middle East, and Oceania, have similarly committed to keeping their ports open through this declaration. You join a community of ports who are committed to keep trade going, and goods flowing to people who need it, from all around the world. 

6.     This is a very strong signal of our support to our shipping communities and to the global economy and communities. 

7.     I encourage ports to continue to collaborate closely to share experiences, strategies and information in dealing with the crisis, and for us to adopt the best practices that we learn from one another. I am confident that today’s discussion will contribute to even closer working relationships between ports across the globe.

8.     And I want to wish everyone well during these trying times and for a fruitful video conference session. I look forward to the time when we can physically meet again, participate in similar roundtable discussions and conferences in the future. So meanwhile, take care and stay safe! Hope you will have a very fruitful session ahead. 

9.     Thank you.