Dr Henri Mickel Sandee
PUTRAJAYA: Better hinterland connectivity coupled with a standardised metrics or universally recognised measures based on empirical data are what Asean countries need to do to improve market access to seaborne trade, a maritime expert says.
STC Next Rotterdam senior logistics expert Dr Henri Mickel Sandee said there should be fluidity or free flow of trade and the integration in an industrial network, all of which combined would eventually boost intra and extra-regional trade.
He said the development of seaport-hinterland connectivity helps to support regional economic development and sustainability by reducing transportation costs, enhancing the quality of the goods and services which will enable intra-regional trade and investment.
Effective connections to the hinterland will also help to integrate geographically deprived areas and hence boost more general economic activity.
Sandee said that while individual ports within Asean have made significant progress in terms of digitisation, port management and sustainability, there is no yardstick to evaluating performance and that little focus has been paid to hinterland links. — Bernama
