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For the first time in the region, public discussion will be held on the maritime security initiatives at an international maritime conference to be held in Kuala Lumpur 14-15 October 2002.
The conference, will discuss broad range of current issues relating to reforms and structural changes impacting on the maritime transportation and logistics services sector, has secured the participation of US Customs and the World Shipping Council to discuss the most topical issue in the maritime industry.
The conference, organized by the Malaysian Shipowners Association, will be officiated by the Minister of Transport, Malaysia, Dato Seri Dr Ling Liong Sik.
The Chairman of MASA, Datuk Hj Mohd Ali Hj Yasin, said recent developments and initiatives relating to maritime security have raised the concern of the shipping industry as these programmes have significant direct impact on costs and time of service providers in the maritime transportation pipeline.
"The participants to the conference will hear directly from the US Customs and the US-based World Shipping Council on the need and scope of these maritime security initiatives," he said.
The Conference, he added would offer an opportunity for industry practitioners to examine from close quarter the significance and implications of the various measures and initiatives.
Mr Lars Kjaer, Vice President of the World Shipping Council will speak on the emergence of a NEW ORDER in maritime transportation arising from the current developments aimed at enhancing the securing regimes at the conference which is expected to attract about 400 participants.
US Customs has also been invited to present its initiatives on global maritime security, especially the Container Security Initiative that seeks to station, under agreement with foreign governments, US Customs agents at specific ports throughout the world, including Port Klang.
Progress on the US-backed Customs' Trade Partnership Against Terrorism programme designed to improve security along the whole supply chain will also be addressed at the Conference which will also include a panel discussion on the maritime security initiatives.
A CEO's forum on "Emerging Challenges in Maritime & Logistics" will be chaired by Mohd Ali, who is also the Managing Director/CEO of Malaysia International Shipping Corporation Bhd.
A total of 16 papers on supply chain management, port hubbing & distributive trade at ports, maritime safety issues and risk management, will be presented by eminent speakers from international organizations and agencies.
Full details of the conference are available on the websites of MASA (www.malaysianshipowners.org ) and Ports World (www.portsworld.com), event manager for the Conference.
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