Phl transport initiatives tackled at ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting

Philippine transport initiatives focused on improving the region’s transportation systems were discussed during the recent Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Senior Transport Officials Meeting (STOM) and associated meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

Held on November 18 to 20, the 58th ASEAN STOM convened the ASEAN Senior Transport Officials and Dialogue Partners to engage in high-level discussions in relation to efforts being undertaken by the various working groups, namely the ASEAN Air Transport Working Group, ASEAN Land Transport Working Group, ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group, and ASEAN Transport Facilitation Working Group, to advance regional and global connectivity, as well as fostering economic prosperity across the region. 

The Philippine Delegation, led by Undersecretary Timothy John R. Batan, as Philippines’ STOM Leader, also participated in bilateral meetings with Malaysia Railway Corporation (MARIC), Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) Japan, and the EU Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG Move), at the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN STOM. These bilateral meetings delved on various topics such as, benchmarking of industrial policy workstream and opportunities for localizing railway system components in the Philippines, sustainable transport initiatives, cooperation in multilateral fora, and ongoing projects related to seafarers and civil aviation, among other transportation matters. 

The ASEAN STOM, which is being convened twice a year, oversees the implementation of various programs, projects and activities of the sectoral areas set by the ASEAN Transport Ministers, and as specified in the KLTSP 2016-2025. The 58th ASEAN STOM was held in conjunction with the 30th ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting.