ASEAN transport ministers to strengthen cooperation amid pandemic

We hereby agree to strengthen our collective response to COVID-19 based on sustained cooperation and solidarity by:

(a) STRENGTHENING cooperation in the field of transport and logistics in response to the pandemic, with a view to ensuring unimpeded passage for cross-border movement of essential goods, including food, vital medicines and medical supplies, critical agricultural products, and other vital goods and services;

(b) COMMITTING to actively taking measures to ensure the transport of essential materials and supplies, including the necessary facilitation for entry, departure and transit of these materials and supplies to avoid any disruptions;

(c) ENHANCING cooperation and coordination with multilateral organizations through the framework of the United Nations, including the World Health Organization, the International Maritime Organization, the International Civil Aviation Organization, as well as other related international fora such as the World Trade Organization, while emphasizing the adherence to agreed international standards for the release of goods and transport facilitation, and avoid unnecessary traffic restrictions, and in particular ensuring the openness of seaports for the smooth operation of international logistics;

(d) ENCOURAGING the relevant competent authorities to continue extending the validity period of ship and crew certificates as well as exchange relevant information while remaining mindful of the importance of navigational safety to ensure smooth and efficient supply chains;

(e) Stepping up exchanges of information, knowledge and best practices, to jointly enhance the capability of pandemic control at land border crossings, seaports and airports, strengthen pandemic-related training and protection of field workers in transport networks, prevent cross-border transmission of the virus, and reduce the risk of imported cases;

(f) LOOKING FORWARD to the continued engagement between ASEAN and China through existing networks and platforms under the ASEAN Transport Sector, exploring the possibilities to facilitate travel arrangements in accordance with national circumstances, in the gradual lifting of travel restrictions while respecting health precautions, and seeking policy synergy where possible, so as to better serve and support the development of transport connectivity and logistics system, and ensure the stability of global supply chain, industrial chain and value chain;

(g) UNDERTAKING to consider this topic into the agenda of highest level conferences, as appropriate.