On May 9, 2023, the Vietnam Maritime Administration (Ministry of Transport) in collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat, inaugurated the 44th ASEAN Maritime Transport Working Group Conference (MTWG 44) held in Da Nang city. Representatives from Gemadept Joint Stock Company attended the conference and delivered presentations on maritime security, the sustainable development of green ports and ongoing programs within the Gemadept port cluster. The presentation by Gemadept received positive feedback by representatives of the maritime industry of ASEAN member countries and evaluating organizations.
As the Chair of the Conference on a rotational basis within ASEAN, the 44th conference was chaired by Deputy Director General of the Vietnam Maritime Administration – Mr. Hoang Hong Giang. The conference was attended by 10 ASEAN member countries, the ASEAN Secretariat, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), dialogue partners including the United States, Japan, South Korea, China, India, and regional associations of ASEAN.
At the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister Nguyen Xuan Sang attended and delivered the opening speech. Additionally, the conference welcomed Mr. Ki Tack Lim, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), who participated in the conference and engaged with relevant agencies and organizations in Vietnam.
MTWG 44 conference focused on several key programs, including the implementation of measures related to maritime transportation according to the Kuala Lumpur Strategic Plan 2021-2026, the realization of the ASEAN Single Shipping Market (ASSM) through the implementation of agreed strategies and measures (MT-1), the development of an efficient and integrated RO-RO transportation network in ASEAN (MT-2), the development of an effective and integrated inland waterway transportation network (IWWT) (MT-3), strengthening positioning systems and international security measures (MT-4), establishing necessary initiatives and policy recommendations to develop strategic maritime transportation logistics between ASEAN and dialogue partners, enhancing regional cooperation in improving traffic safety, and strengthening regional cooperation in developing sustainable transportation policies and strategies (ST-1).
Other objectives included identifying and implementing key measures for sustainable transportation (ST-2), enhancing regional cooperation in the application of smart technologies in the field of transportation (ST-4), addressing maritime transportation challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, ASEAN cooperation on vessel waste management, progress in implementing tasks of the Working Group for the 2022-2023 phase, ASEAN cooperation with private regional partners (port associations, shipowners), and regional dialogue partners, as well as discussing new maritime transportation developments and urgent issues
During the conference, Gemadept, representing prominent port operation and logistics enterprises in Vietnam, delivered a presentation on maritime security and the development of sustainable green ports. Gemadept highlighted its commitment to pursuing smarter and greener port development based on four main criteria: using clean energy-operated port equipment, optimizing the use of renewable energy, promoting inland waterway transportation, and applying technology and digital transformation while simultaneously developing environmental projects.
As a leading enterprise in port operation and logistics in Vietnam, Gemadept has shown pioneer spirit and a deep sense of corporate social responsibility. It has taken specific steps, policies, and actions to cope with climate change and actively collaborate with the government and the community in sustainable development efforts. This commitment is evident through the implementation of green and environmentally-friendly port projects, adherence to ISO 14064 standards (an international standard for greenhouse gas inventory management, reporting, and verification), and initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Gemadept actively contributes to enhancing cooperation and development among maritime enterprises in Vietnam and ASEAN member countries, working towards the common goal of building a green supply chain.
The Conference Organizing Committee, representatives of ASEAN member countries and the International Maritime Organization highly appreciated and recognized the efforts of Gemadept in particular and ASEAN businesses in general in practical decisions and actions towards green and sustainable development.
In the coming time, Gemadept will continue to join hands with the business community and the Government of Vietnam in the investment and development of the sea port system to improve capacity, ensure maritime security and protect the environment. In addition to focusing on training high-quality human resources, a sense of community responsibility for the development of the maritime industry and the economy.
