The number of port authorities pledging to maintain operations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has more than doubled since the Maritime Port Authority (MPA) launched its roundtable initiative on 24 April 2020.
In a statement, the MPA, which initiated the Port Authorities Roundtable (PAR), said more than 50 authorities had signed up and promised to ensure that vessels can continue to call at their ports and maintain services.
Senior Minister of State for Transport and Health Dr Lam Pin Min, who attended the second PAR COVID-19 Declaration video conference held last week, said: “Now is the time, more than ever, for global supply chains to remain intact.
“This is critical for the flow of essential goods across the globe, and for global economic recovery.”
The MPA went on to say that it is “crucial that countries around the world remain committed to keeping their ports open for trade to ensure the continued flow of goods” throughout the crisis.
Critical and essential supplies that flow through the ports support the battle against COVID-19 and the gradual re-opening of economies.
The PAR initiative is supported by international organisations and groups such as the International Maritime Organization, International Chamber of Shipping, International Association of Ports and Harbours, APEC Port Services Network and American Association of Port Authorities, Italian Port Association and Maritime NZ.
