Regional Maritime Collaboration: Unleashing Asia's Potential to Lead the Global Shipping Industry
Chairman of the Indonesian National Shipowners' Association (INSA), Carmelita Hartoto, emphasized the importance of strengthening the maritime sector in Asia through solid regional collaboration. She made this statement during a dinner meeting with ambassadors from Asian countries in Jakarta on Thursday, June 13, 2024. With strong collaboration and shared commitment, Carmelita is optimistic that Asia's maritime sector can develop more rapidly and make a significant contribution to the regional economy.
"This collaboration is not only about strengthening Indonesia's maritime sector but also about advancing the maritime industry across Asia." he said in a press release on Friday, June 14, 2024.
"As chair of both FASA and ASA, I see great potential in cross-country cooperation to create positive and sustainable change," he continued.
Therefore, she encouraged maritime cooperation between Indonesia and FASA and ASA member countries to be further strengthened, especially in an effort to create a more environmentally friendly Asian shipping industry. Carmelita emphasized that by strengthening this collaboration, Asian shipping can become a reliable and trusted global partner. She believes that this will not only enhance regional reputation but will also open up new opportunities in the international market and ensure the sustainability of the maritime industry in the future.
However, INSA considers that support from all parties is needed, both from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and leaders and shipping industry players in Asian countries, to create mutually beneficial cooperation.
"Collaboration between Indonesia and neighboring countries is increasingly necessary to keep the shipping business climate in Asia conducive amid the current global uncertainty," he said.
INSA Foundation Chairman Theo Lekatompessy emphasized that Asia plays a very significant role in the global maritime industry. He noted that Asia is the world's largest shipbuilder and the largest supplier of seafarers globally and is responsible for the transportation of more than 53% of the world's cargo. According to Theo, this fact shows how important Asia's role is in maintaining the flow of international trade and highlights the huge potential the region has to continue to grow and lead the shipping industry in the future. However, this huge potential has yet to be fully realized by countries in the Asian region.
"Asia is a sleeping maritime giant. It is time for us to wake up together and become the motor of change for the world's maritime," Theo said.
The event, initiated by the Directorate General of ASEAN Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was attended by a number of officials and ambassadorial representatives from various countries. Some of the countries present included Japan, China, Australia, India, Singapore, Philippines, Laos, Brunei Darussalam, Thailand, and Vietnam. In addition, the event was also attended by the EU Ambassador to ASEAN. The meeting demonstrated the strong commitment of various countries to strengthen regional maritime cooperation and discuss innovative strategies that can be implemented to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the shipping industry in the Asian region.
Source :
kompas.com