KUALA LUMPUR: With Malaysia taking over the Asean chair next year, the government’s priority is to ensure seamless connectivity via land, air and sea to promote trade within Asean, says the Transport Minister.
Anthony Loke (pic) said with the uncertainty over the global situation, Asean members have to trade more within themselves and utilise its position as a bloc.
“With 10 countries and a population of over 700 million, the rest of the world looks at us as an important part,” he told a press conference yesterday.
Loke said there is also growing interest by the European Union (EU), China, South Korea, Japan and even the United States in Asean as a major market.
“We also had dialogues with the EU business council and a luncheon with the US-Asean business council. This shows that they look at Asean as a major market and economic bloc.
“Malaysia will continue playing its role to ensure a more integrated Asean and one pivotal role is creating better connectivity.
“In the maritime sector, we are looking at digitising our ports and information sharing between countries, which can create a more competitive landscape,” he added.
He said land transport and rail network connectivity are also important, especially for landlocked countries within Asean, like Laos.
“Aviation-wise, we have done well. There are also discussions on the Asean single aviation market, but work needs to be done there.”
Loke admitted there is a need to reduce red tape and bureaucracy among Asean members.
“We need to speak with the respective agencies and governments. We want to impress upon each member state that any move will be win-win for anyone and the region as a whole.
“This is where Malaysia plays an important role to provide leadership and convince member states that the way forward is a more integrated Asean community,” he said.
