The Union minister separately re­ceived the chairman and executive mem­bers of the ASEAN Ports Association and representatives of member countries.

In his opening speech, Union Minis­ter U Mya Tun Oo expressed that Myan­mar was greatly honoured and delighted to host the meeting as the host country. He warmly welcomed all distinguished guests and extended his sincere grati­tude to the majority of member states for attending the meeting in person. He continued that the meeting was be­ing held under the theme “Navigating Together, Sustainable Forever” of the ASEAN Ports Association, in line with ASEAN’s motto “One Vision, One Iden­tity, One Community,” to work together toward common prosperity and long-term sustainable development within the ASEAN Port Community. The ports play a crucial role as major driving forc­es in the economic development of the ASEAN region. During this meeting, participants would have the opportu­nity to discuss practical strategies and collaborative initiatives to strengthen maritime trade networks, enhance port performance, and promote sustainable development.

He added that member states have been implementing Digital Transfor­mation, Innovation, Decarbonization, and Human Resource Development to improve connectivity and performance among ports in the region. By sharing positive experiences from each country, the meeting will bring mutual benefits and understanding.

ASEAN Ports Association Chairman Captain Basza Alexzandar Basri of Bru­nei remarked, and Managing Director U Zaw Tun Lwin of the Myanma Port Authority briefed on the occasion.

The ASEAN Ports Association was established in 1974, and Myanmar be­came a member in 2005. The associa­tion includes nine member countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. — MNA/KTZH