Opening Remarks by

Ir. Mohammad Nazri Mohammad Yusof

Permanent Secretary

Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications

Brunei Darussalam

at the 46th ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group (MTWG) Meeting

6 - 8 May 2024

Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson 

Heads of Delegations 

ASEAN Secretariat 

Dialogue Partners and IMO Representatives, 

Distinguished Delegates, 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Assalamu'alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh, Salam Sejahtera and a very Good Morning, Our warmest greetings to everyone and to our Muslim delegates, I hope it is not too late to wish all of you Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Eid Mubarak! 

1. On behalf of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, it gives me great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to you all to the 46th Meeting of the ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group (46 MTWG). 

2. It is an honour for Brunei Darussalam to assume the ASEAN MTWG Chairmanship and we are pleased to this opportunity to gather everyone in Bandar Seri Begawan for the next 2 years. 

3. Dialogue partners, I extend my appreciation to you, for your continued and unwavering commitment to our deliberations as we forge ahead towards our common goal. 

Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, 

4. Over the span of five decades since its establishment, ASEAN has evolved into one of the most successful regional organizations globally. ASEAN consistently places significant emphasis on fostering connectivity and integration as paramount objectives in its pursuit of realizing the ASEAN Economic Community. This commitment serves to enhance the collective advantages of a vibrant, central, and promising ASEAN economic region. To effectively realize this vision, bolstering cooperation in transportation connectivity stands as an essential imperative. Strengthening such ties in transport infrastructure is pivotal to the region's economic growth and prosperity. 

5. In recognizing the critical role of transportation in driving regional progress, the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications underscores the significant initiatives such as the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity in enhancing infrastructure of logistical networks across our region. By promoting seamless connectivity, we aim to facilitate trade, tourism, and economic growth, and ultimately fostering a more integrated and prosperous ASEAN community. 

6. As everyone here is fully aware, carrying and ferrying over 80 per cent of world trade, the maritime sector and shipping is crucial to global trade and economic growth. Nevertheless the maritime sector faces significant challenges, disruptions and changes. Amongst these challenges are climate change and digitilisation. It is imperative that all of us work together, collaborate with all stakeholders to address these challenges and changes together on top of our utmost duty to ensure safety and continuity of shipping and also prevention of marine pollution. 

7. This is where ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group meeting serves as a crucial platform for ASEAN Member States to come together and address pertinent issues facing the maritime transport sector in our region. It provides us with an invaluable opportunity to exchange ideas, share best practices, and forge collaborative solutions to common challenges. 

8. In response to the evolving challenges of the maritime sector, we are committed to innovation and adaptation. Our focus extends beyond decarbonization and digitalization to include initiatives such as sustainable port development, maritime safety enhancement, and capacity building for maritime personnel. By embracing a holistic approach, we can address the multifaceted challenges facing the maritime industry and drive sustainable growth. 

Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, 

9. To set this Meeting’s tone on a high note, I am pleased to congratulate you on your achievements, that were recognized by the ASEAN Transport Ministers last November. It is beyond any doubt that the advancements made, demonstrated the strength of the ASEAN Member States’ collective resolve and transformative potential of regional cooperation in the maritime sector. As you continue to chart a course towards a more integrated and sustainable maritime future, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing the prosperity and well-being of the ASEAN Community. 

10. Before concluding, I have been informed that the Chairperson, on behalf of the Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD), has arranged for your presence at a special Hari Raya Aidilfitri event, or what we colloquially refer to as an Open House, on the final day of this Meeting. This presents a wonderful opportunity for distinguished delegates to partake in the festivities and experience the warmth of Hari Raya celebrations in Brunei Darussalam. It is my belief that this experience will leave you with cherished memories to carry back to your respective countries. 

11. In closing, I extend my best wishes to all of you for fruitful deliberations and constructive engagement during this meeting as the outcomes are crucial for our necessary preparation to the 57th ASEAN Senior Transport Officials Meeting next month. 

12. With that, I thank you. 

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