Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — More than a hundred Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) transport officials met on Tuesday (April 26) to talk about transportation projects that will improve connectivity in the region.
Through the Department of Communication and Transportation (DOTC), the Philippines is hosting the 41st Senior Transport Officials Meeting (STOM) in Makati City until Thursday.
The ASEAN transport sector will take on new projects as part of the region’s economic integration.
Last year, the 10 member states adopted the Kuala Lumpur Transport Strategic Plan 2016-2025, which “placed greater emphasis for greater connectivity, efficiency, integration, safety, and sustainability of ASEAN transport.”
The document outlines action plans on air, land, maritime, transport facilitation, and sustainable transport.
Open skies
In a speech, DOTC Assistant Secretary for Planning Sherielysse Bonifacio lauded the ASEAN Open Sky Agreement fully ratified last April 15.
Under the agreement, air travel between member states is expected to be liberalized, resulting in the growth of air travel in the region.
The aviation policy will allow more direct flights to and from major ASEAN cities and will enhance regional trade.
“Increased connectivity has a multiplier effect. It will result to more impressive growth in the aviation industry, the tourism sector, as well as in other businesses,” said Bonifacio.
“Thus, the full ratification of the ASEAN open skies is a victory not only for us in the ASEAN transportation sector but for the whole ASEAN. Its full impact will resonate and will eventually be felt across the region, benefitting the economies of the member states.”
Bonifacio also hinted at new possible air agreements between ASEAN, Russian, China, U.S., Korea, and Japan.
Meanwhile, the DOTC is expecting the approval of seven more Public-Private Partnership Projects — the operations and management of the Light Rail Transit 2, five regional airports, and the Davao Sasa Wharf Port — before the end of President Aquino’s term.
CNN Philippines’ Rex Remitio contributed to this report.
