exploration of business development in port industry in Northeast Asia and response actions that port association should take. I am really enlightened over the speeches, and I think every delegate would have similar feelings.
As an industry, port is not only for traditional cargo handling, but also reflecting those newly developed industries that are interdependent with port facilities, and modern logistics as well. All those businesses are characterized by integrated scale, internationalization and regional-oriented. Port industry always plays a significant role in process of industrialization, and particularly of heavy industrialization in a country. How does port association make contribution to the prosperity and development of regional port business is a key theme for study. Both Japan and Korea are our predecessors in achieving industrialization, and there are lot of experience in this regard for us to learn and refer. In the context of above-mentioned speeches, we conclusively think some ideals could become our common understanding:
1. 3PHAs shall function as ties and interface to bridge governments, enterprises, marketplace and community for promotion of sustainable, health and swift development of port business in Northeast Asia, thus resulting in appreciation and support from various sectors of all community and all citizens as well.
2. 3PHAs shall initiate information exchanges and business cooperation on the topics commonly concerned. For instance, the option raised by Japan of express marine container transportation that is supported by high-speed customs clearance at both ports and hinterland express transport. And proposal also raised by Japan of restructuring relevant port facilities in order to attract huge international cruisers. Also Korea delegation raises the policy design for upgrading value-added services at port, proposal of training program for improving quality of port operators etc. all those proposals are of practical and constructive beneficial to port development in Northeast Asia.
3. 3PHAs shall further strengthen information exchanges and personal communication. Internet shall be applied to information exchanges, bilateral on-site study visit, holding seminar and forum, participation of important celebrations, and sponsoring marine port exhibition etc. 3PHAs shall have closer cultural exchanges and communication in order to communicate and promote advanced technology and management concept among ports in Northeast Asia.
Dear delegates,
Although today's meeting is brief, however communications and cooperation we have so far achieved are permanent. I think the theme of "Activities and study subjects that 3 Associations have to pursue jointly for the development and prosperity of port industry of Northeast Asia" is not only the subject of this meeting, but also our target and priority that should prevail our works of three port associations in future, we could continue our study, exchange and practice on this subject. Our three parties have just signed the Memorandum of Understanding to express our common good desire for continuing cooperation and exchanges. We are looking forward to meeting our friends from Japan and Korea port associations again for further discussions.
After this meeting all our friends will attend Port Symposium tomorrow, while some will have sightseeing to other cities and ports. I do hope you get more gains, and wish everybody health and happiness!
Now I announce successful conclusion of 4th President's Meeting of Port & Harbor Associations in Northeast Asia.
Thank you!
(November 07,2005)
