Opening Address by President S R Nathan at the Opening Ceremony of the Inaugural Sea Asia

Minister for Transport, Mr Raymond Lim
Minister of State for Finance and Transport, Mrs Lim Hwee Hua
Your Excellencies
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen

        It is with great pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to all of you to Singapore for the inaugural Sea Asia.  I am heartened to see so many distinguished individuals from the international and local maritime community gathered here for this event.  As a port, we have always been wedded to shipping and matters maritime.  As a nation we have also grown with the growth of an active maritime traffic and today have a sizeable tonnage of shipping under the Singapore Registry.  This role as a Port was foreseen more than 150 years ago by the founder of modern Singapore – Stamford Raffles.  We have come a long way since.  With that history behind us, we have found confidence to invite you to share with us this occasion of the launch of “Sea Asia” and the platform for all of us in the Maritime Industry to share our views and address matters.  There is much we need to speak about, for us to stay relevant in this increasingly interconnected world, where shipping plays a pivotal role.

IMPORTANCE OF ASIA IN SHIPPING

2      Today, Singapore finds itself in a position of opportunity at the centre of the fast-growing Asian region.  The economic growth of Asian countries has already tilted the centre of gravity of global shipping towards Asia.  14 of the top 20 container line operators are headquartered in Asia, and Asia now hosts 9 of the top 10 ports by cargo tonnage.  The world’s largest shipbuilders also reside in Asia.  Looking ahead, Asia’s share of global maritime commerce is likely to continue expanding, along with the strong growth in Asia’s emerging economies.

3      The theme chosen for the inaugural Sea Asia – “The Asian Voice in World Shipping” – is therefore most apt as it reflects the rapidly increasing contribution by and influence of Asia in the international maritime arena.

THE ASIAN VOICE IN WORLD SHIPPING

4      Shipping is by nature global, yet with local or regional characteristics and considerations.  The issues facing the global maritime industry will affect every stakeholder in one way or another.  With an estimated 40 per cent of the world merchant fleet under Asian ownership, Asian industry players, associations and governments should take the opportunity to articulate their own sound, balanced and unique perspectives to maritime issues, such as maritime safety, security and environmental concerns.

5      As users of the seas, your industry inputs to organisations like the International Maritime Organisation, the International Chamber of Shipping, the International Shipping Federation and other international and regional associations are invaluable in ensuring that the policy directions adopted and implemented for the global maritime industry are progressive and relevant to users, especially Asian ones, and not so overly cumbersome that they impede your businesses, and ultimately, world trade.
 
6      The Asian voice should be Asian by nature, but global in its outlook and contributions.  With its varied shipping and port interests, Asia is well-placed to provide useful perspectives on key maritime issues.  With participants from outside Asia, all should benefit through greater interaction and sharing of views.  In that way we can help achieve the international consensus needed to tackle the global problems facing the shipping industry.

7      I believe that Sea Asia can serve as an invaluable platform for networking and bridging the maritime communities of the world.  On this note, I welcome the presence of the many international maritime organisations and industry players participating in Sea Asia today as a prime example of the international maritime community actively engaging Asian players and seeking to understand the Asian perspective.

CONCLUSION

8      In conclusion, may I wish all of you a rewarding experience at this inaugural Sea Asia.  I also hope that our overseas guests will be able to take some time off their busy schedules to enjoy the multi-ethnic offerings that Singapore has for you.

        Thank you.