Public Works and Transport Minister Peng Ponea led a delegation to attend the ASEAN Transport Minister Meeting held from November 9-10 in Laos. MPWT
Minister of Public Works and Transport Peng Ponea headed a delegation to the 29th Transport Ministers’ Meeting in Luang Prabang, Laos, with the aim of evaluating completed plans and setting the course for infrastructure and transport sector improvements.
This two-day meeting, taking place on November 9-10, has a dual purpose. Firstly, it involves an assessment of the executed action plans under the 2023 ASEAN framework and the formulation of direction, policies and action plans for implementation in 2024. Secondly, it entails reviewing action plans carried out in 2023 and adopting new plans for 2024 in cooperation with ASEAN-China, ASEAN-Japan and ASEAN-South Korea.
During the meetings, participants engaged in discussions concerning the strengths, weaknesses, challenges and sustainable solutions across various transport sectors, including land, waterways, sea and air transport. On the first day of the event, Ponea presented developments in transport and logistics, highlighting their significant role in enhancing connectivity between Cambodia and neighbouring countries, as well as the Kingdom's integration into the regional framework.
Several important documents were approved in the course of these meetings. These included the 2024 priority plans, ASEAN's Master Plans related to air traffic services, the third protocol concerning ASEAN's Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Flight Crew Licensing, the ASEAN Sustainable Aviation Action Plan, as well as policies and recommendations aimed at improving electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in ASEAN.
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Additionally, smart port guidelines were endorsed, and recommendations were made to enhance regional readiness for potential future challenges linked to port sustainability, exchange facilitation and pilot repatriation.
Sin Chanthy, president of the Cambodia Logistics Association (CLA), said the implementation of new infrastructure projects has significantly aided in lowering expenses and travel times.
"Thanks to these accomplishments, I hold a positive outlook on the future of Cambodia's transport and logistics sector. The construction of new roads, ports and airports will facilitate the acquisition of products, enhancing their competitiveness in the global market," he added.
The ministry also announced that the ministers signed two agreements: ASEAN Air and Maritime Search and Rescue Cooperation and the Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement between ASEAN and the EU.
