Asean Transport Ministers Meeting Achieves Realisation Of Open Skies For Asean Market

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- The 22nd ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting (22nd ATM) has achieved the realisation of open skies for the ASEAN market through a full ratification of ASEAN Open Skies Agreements. It was achieved during the two-day meeting in Manila which was attended by delegates from ASEAN members countries as well as dialogue partners from China, Japan and South Korea. Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai said the agreements were critical elements in the establishment of an ASEAN Single Aviation Market (ASAM). "Under these agreements, there will be greater regional and domestic air transport connectivity which will facilitate greater growth of the aviation industry and tourism sector, thus further boosting the regional economy," he said in a statement Friday. Liow said ASEAN also looked forward to further strengthen aviation cooperation through the establishment of more liberal and mutually beneficial air services agreements with dialogue partners, including European Union and India. "This will enhance connectivity within and beyond ASEAN countries and subsequently support the ASEAN Economic Community vision," he said. During the meeting, Liow called upon ASEAN transports ministers to work closely together to ensure that transport sector continues to play an integral role in ASEAN economic development and integration, propelling the region towards greater heights. "ASEAN is expected to expand constantly over the next decade, making it one of the most attractive economic block in Asia. As a growing economic zone, ASEAN presents endless opportunities, offering new avenues of growth with much potential that can be tapped into," he said. The meeting also endorsed the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Air Transport, Land Transport, Maritime Transport, Sustainable Transport and Transport Facilitation which would facilitate the implementation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint 2025 and work plans for the transportation framework. The ministers also launched ASEAN Road Safety Booklet prepared by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) in its capacity as the ASEAN Regional Road Safety Centre. The Booklet will serve as a tool for dissemination of key highlights from ASEAN Regional Road Safety Strategy in enhancing public awareness on the importance of the road safety in the region. -- BERNAMA