The 50th ASEAN Ports Association (APA) Main Meeting officially commenced on Tuesday in Bandar Seri Begawan, providing a vital platform for regional dialogue, knowledge exchange, and strategic collaboration among APA members.
The meeting, set to continue until Thursday, hosted by the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD), brings together delegations from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, reaffirming a collective commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation and advancing regional port development.
Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Datin Seri Paduka Dayang Hajah Tutiaty binti Haji Abdul Wahab officiated the event.
In her welcoming remarks, she expressed appreciation for the ASEAN member states, affiliates, and dialogue partners for their continued commitment and collaboration.
She noted that beyond facilitating the exchange of information and technical expertise, the association has built trust, fostered professional networks, and promoted practical cooperation that supports efficient regional trade while enabling ports to enhance operations, build capabilities, and collectively address shared challenges. The meeting is chaired by Port Master of MPABD Captain Basza Alexzandar bin Haji Basri.
Under his chairmanship, he reaffirmed members’ shared commitment to a more integrated and resilient regional port sector.
He highlighted the signing of the memorandum of understanding with the China Ports and Harbours Association (CPHA) as an important step towards expanding partnerships, facilitating the exchange of expertise, and strengthening cooperation among ports.
The chair also identified the review of the APA Constitution and Bylaws, along with the proposed APA Strategic Goals, as key priorities for strengthening the association’s governance and guiding its future direction. In closing his opening remarks, he called for constructive deliberations to effectively advance these strategic priorities.
MPABD’s role in convening the 50th APA Main Meeting supports this mandate by bringing regional port authorities together to exchange expertise, address shared challenges, and explore opportunities for collaboration.
It underscores MPABD’s role as a regulator, an enabler of sector development, and Brunei Darussalam’s representative in advancing a safe, efficient, and sustainable maritime sector. Over three days, the meeting will address a wide range of agenda items including regional port development, operational best practices, and opportunities for cross-border cooperation.
The plenary sessions provide an opportunity to review collective progress and identify shared priorities for the ASEAN port community.
The 50th APA Main Meeting marks a significant milestone in APA’s continuing efforts to strengthen regional port cooperation. Through its engagement with the association, MPABD continues to build partnerships that support Brunei’s maritime priorities and contribute to a more connected, competitive, and resilient ASEAN port network. – JAMES KON
SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/JAMES KON
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