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A first and positive dialogue between ASC and ASF SERC was held in Penang on 4 April 2005. ASC was led by Mr John Y Lu, Chairman and ASF SERC was led by Mr Takao Kusakari, Chairman. An attendance list is attached. A full and constructive exchange of views was made.
Both organisations introduced their profile, members/structure, their roles and recent agenda as well as objectives of the respective parties.
ASC and SERC agreed that each side was committed to working to establish constructive relations between shippers and carriers in Asia through sincere and amicable dialogue. Both organizations recognized the interdependence of shippers and carriers within the global trading system.
They frankly recognised that there is ample room for improvement in the relationship between shippers and carriers in Asia and such improvement would be a high priority. SERC and ASC delegates carefully listened to each other’s views on ways to improve communication between shippers and carriers. It was agreed to work together on possible avenue to facilitate a partnership approach to trade issues.
Shipping policy issues affecting world seaborne trade were also discussed as mutual concerns including maritime security and congestion at port/intermodal facilities. It was reported that the “Container Shipping Forum” was successfully held in Tokyo last November, which was attended by representatives from government, shippers and carriers based in Japan. The activities of the “Forum” were reported as a good example of an open and productive dialogue between shippers and carriers in Japan, and it was confirmed that the delegates from both sides would continue to work together in the future towards building a better relation between shippers and carriers in Asia.
Finally, ASC and SERC delegates agreed that the first dialogue in Penang was most useful for both sides to deepen mutual trust and understanding. They will reconvene their dialogue in the future whenever necessary.
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The Asian Shippers’ Council (ASC) is promoted by the FASC* Shippers’ Council community to integrate shipper councils in Asia by 5 regions, namely, China area, North East Asia, ASEAN, Oceania, and ASCOBIPS (Association of Shippers’ Councils of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) which has a similar function as FASC (horizontal) at an all-Asia level (vertical). The ASC was established in 2004.
The ASF** consists of the shipowners’ associations of ASEAN (Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam), Australia, China (PRC), Republic of China (Taipei), Hong Kong, Japan and Korea. Subjects that the ASF addresses include shipping economics, ship recycling, safety/environment, seafarers and ship insurance. The committee dealing with shipping economics is the Shipping Economics Review Committee (SERC). The ASF was established in 1992.
*FASC : Federation of ASEAN Shippers’ Councils
** ASF : Asian Shipowners’ Forum
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