UN calls for shipping tieup

UN calls for shipping tieup

SINGAPORE (DPA): A U.N. official called for greater cooperation among ASEAN's public and private sectors in the shipping industry at a Singapore conference winding up on Friday.

What impacts one country effects the entire region, Barry Cable, the chief of the U.N.'s water transport section, told the two-day meeting organized by the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) and the Federation of ASEAN Shipowners' Associations.

Shipping among the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should be strengthened because the economies are predominantly export driven, Cable said.

"ASEAN countries are able to access international markets through the major carriers," he said.

But enhanced involvement meant massive investments for large ships in a highly competitive environment with low freight rates.

Cable proposed instead that the regional shipping industry be strengthened by focusing on seafarer training, identifying viable, low-risk niche opportunities and expanding national flag fleets.