Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, shared six key recommendations while presiding over the opening ceremony of the 27th ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting and Related Meetings held via videoconference this morning.
First, he said, COVID-19 will continue to disrupt global transport operations and supply chains for a long term. Therefore, the ASEAN Transport Ministers should continue to closely monitor and examine the process of implementing the Implementation Plan of the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework, by focusing on reinforcing regional connectivity to strengthen the potential of ASEAN markets and socio-economic resilience. In this regard, promoting smooth and timely cross-border transport between ASEAN Member States will contribute to the strengthening of strong and sustainable regional production chains.
Second, ASEAN must continue to push for further actions in all areas of the transport sector to achieve the successful implementation of the ASEAN Transport Strategic Plan 2016-2025, as well as the prioritised activities of the mid-term review of this plan, which is the backbone of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, he added.
Third, the Premier stressed, ASEAN must strive to expedite the signing and implementation of the ASEAN-EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement (AE-CATA), the ASEAN-New Zealand Air Services Agreement (ANZ-ASA) and the ASEAN-Korea Air Transport Services Agreement (AK-ASA). These agreements will serve as a significant foundation for socio-economic cooperation and a bridge between ASEAN and the world.
Fourth, ASEAN must further strengthen and expand cooperation with dialogue and development partners, to expand cooperation, seek funding and technical assistance, and further promote the development of transport infrastructure in the ASEAN region, he said, continuing, “I would like to emphasise that after becoming a member of the International Transport Forum, Cambodia, I hope, will be able to obtain and share good experience and knowledge with other members as an asset for the development of the transport sector in ASEAN as a whole.”
Fifth, the transport sector emits around 20 percent of carbon dioxide, which is a major cause of climate change. In this regard, he requested ASEAN to continue to strictly implement the ASEAN Transport Strategic Plan 2016-2025 and encourage the use of eco friendly vehicles, as well as the promotion of the integration of road and land use planning, to address the environmental impacts caused by energy consumption, traffic congestion, gas, greenhouse gases and other pollutants. Promoting these activities will help reduce the pace of climate change, which is threatening our entire world.
Sixth, he explained, ASEAN must continue its effort to deal with traffic accidents, which remain a major challenge in the ASEAN region and the world, particularly by promoting the implementation of legal instruments such as: (1). Guidelines for improving the standard procedure for reporting road crashes based on the United Nations standards and (2). Brunei Declaration on Road Safety 2020 and the new direction of 2030 that has set a target to reduce road fatalities by at least 50% from 2021 to 2030.
Source: Agency Kampuchea Press