The first joint EAEU–ASEAN sectoral seminar on “Exchange of Experience in Cargo Shipping” was held on March 16 at the EEC's headquarters. 

The seminar attendees discussed the current state and prospects for further development of cargo shipping in the ASEAN countries and the EAEU Member States, security issues in this sector, as well as the digitalization of maritime transport.

“Given our unique geographical and geo-economic position, as well as our strong transit and industrial potential, coordinating efforts to develop transport corridors and establish logistics hubs is becoming an important priority. Along with that, cargo shipping plays a key role in international trade; our interaction and exchange of experience in this field can significantly strengthen economic ties between our regions,” Arzybek Kozhoshev, the EEC Minister in charge of Energy and Infrastructure, noted in his welcoming remarks to the seminar attendees.

Representatives from the EAEU Member States' ministries, business structures, and academia shared up-to-date information on developing logistics services with the ASEAN countries, as well as on port infrastructure and digital corridors.

Colleagues from the ASEAN countries shared their experience in implementing safety measures when handling alternative fuels for shipping and discussed current projects to develop a “single window” in maritime transport.

The seminar attendees agreed to continue interaction in this area at various levels: both between the ASEAN Secretariat and the EEC, and between the countries and the business community.

“Implementing the ASEAN’s best practices will enable the EAEU to improve its economic performance in transportation and transit traffic between Europe and Asia,” emphasized Rustan Jenalinov, Director of the EEC Transport and Infrastructure Department.

Following the event, a document will be prepared summarizing the participants' main conclusions and recommendations, aimed at strengthening cooperation between the EAEU and ASEAN and developing efficient solutions in the field of cargo shipping.