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Participants to the World Shippers Conference in
Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday (18 September 2007) will
get a detailed insight into the Asean Logistics
Network Map aimed at fostering the development
of seamless transportation in the region.
The Network Map is an initiative of Japan to
create Asia-wide Seamless Logistics Partnership
(ASLP) through the reduction of cost and
lead-time for logistics.
Asean views that such an initiative, can
synergize with the existing ASEAN-Japan
Transport Logistics Project (AJTF-1), would be
useful and relevant to the ASEAN’s ongoing
effort in pursuing an integrated logistics
services sector.
Details of the initiative will be revealed by
the Japan External Trade Organistaion and Japan
Institute of Logistics System at the Conference
to be officiated by the Minister of
International Trade and Industry.
Asean noted that member countries are moving
closer toward integration with a proposed road
map to integrate freight, transport and other
logistics services to move goods more cheaply
and efficiently, officials and documents said
Wednesday.
The initiative, which signed in Manila last
month by economic ministers of the 10-member
Association, aims to liberalize logistics
services and enhance the regional bloc's
production base in line with ASEAN's move to
create a single market by 2015, according to a
final draft of the road map.
The measures include enhancing competitiveness
of ASEAN logistics service providers by
expanding their capability and developing their
human resources.
Maritime cargo handling, storage and
warehousing, freight transport agency services,
courier services and customs clearance services
are among the areas to be liberalized by 2013.
Beginning this year, ASEAN will develop the
region's transport logistics corridor and
identify the needs to connect gateways of member
countries, the draft said.
By next year, ASEAN will implement a
multilateral agreement to fully liberalize air
freight services and sign a framework agreement
on facilitation of interstate transport, it
added.
The road map provides concrete actions that
ASEAN member countries shall pursue to achieve
greater and significant integration of logistics
services in ASEAN.
Meanwhile a statement issued by the Malaysian
National Shippers Council which is organizing
the World Shippers Conference said among other
issues that will feature at the conference
include abolishing collective Rate setting by
shipping lines, Indonesia’s experience on
anti-monopolistic practices, China’s stand on
the Terminal Handling Charges.
About 300 delegates, including key leaders of
the various Shippers’ Councils, from all over
the world are expected to attend the Conference
which is being held in conjunction with the
World Shippers Forum, an association of shippers
organisations throughout the world. |
