2 more ports to open in BIMP-EAGA area

DAVAO CITY — At least two more ports each for the four participating countries of the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) are set to be opened for cross-border transportation.

The opening of two more ports was part of the measures identifed by key senior officials of the BIMP-EAGA geo-economic grouping in a recent conference on transportation to increase the movement of people and goods in the sub-region.

In a meeting last week, the EAGA transportation ministers in the Brunei capital of Bandar Seri Begawan agreed that there is a need for an enhanced transport system in land, sea and air that would carry passengers and goods between key points in the growth area.

EAGA, which has a combined market of 50,000 consumers, except for Brunei Darussalam, comprises the sub-national economies of East Indonesia, East Malaysia and Mindanao and Palawan for the Philippines.

The EAGA transport officials assessed the current state of transport infrastructure facilities and logistical services development in the sub-region and resolved to address the various issues and concerns affecting EAGA’s transport cooperation and integration.

It was likewise resolved that in the development of sustainable transport industry within the EAGA, the transport officials shall closely coordinate and interface with the tourism, trade and environment and natural resources departments of their respective countries.

In order to sustain the growth of trade and even tourism in the sub-region, EAGA officials stressed the need to develop an efficient and integrated sea transport that would involve the development of more sustainable routes across the focus areas.

A feasibility study shall also be conducted on the possible designation of two or more ports in the EAGA focus areas that would enable shipping operators in the sub-region to carry more passengers and goods on a reciprocal basis.

The EAGA transport ministers also saw the need to accelerate the integration of the air travel sector that shall pave the way for the eventual economic integration in the area.

"We are working towards innovative and dynamic ways to further liberalize passenger and air cargo services in the sub-region," the EAGA officials said in a joint statement following their meeting.

It was also agreed that multiple designation of airlines shall be allowed as well as the designation of two entry points for the EAGA focus areas. Subsequently, all EAGA entry points shall be with the fifth freedom rights by 2008.

Several measures have also been identified for the establishment of a more efficient and integrated land transportation linking key areas in the EAGA, particularly within the Borneo Island, connecting East Malaysia, Brunei and East Indonesia.