Addressing the opening of the three-day forum, the first of its kind hosted in Vietnam by the Vietnam Maritime Department, Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Cong highlighted the co-operation of APEC member economies in implementing commitments of the forum over the recent past.
Vietnam and regional countries should closely co-operate to settle maritime safety issues, oceanic environmental protection, and co-operation in search and rescue, he said.
Vietnam pledges to actively and comprehensively take part in the APHoMSA, said the deputy minister.
The 13th APHoMSA will discuss the implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention, the state management of seaports, information systems, and maritime assistance facilities.
The participants are expected to seek initiatives to increase the development of the maritime sector on par with international standards on maritime safety, security and oceanic environmental protection.
The forum will also touch upon technical co-operation programmes of the International Maritime Organisation and the technical co-operation strategy of APHoMSA in the future.
APEC member economies currently make up around 40% of the world’s vessel fleet and half of the world’s total crew.
(VNA)