The Ingenieur Vol. 65 Water Power | Page 36

INGENIEUR the formulation of appropriate strategies on global megatrends and emerging trade-related issues. ASEAN will need to engender and maintain an industrial relations environment that facilitates, as smoothly as possible, investing in workers and firms as learning centres for industrial upgrading, and managing labour adjustments in integrating ASEAN. This may involve deepening the social dialogue process of shared responsibility and enhanced synergy among firms, workers and the government to ensure greater competitiveness, dynamism and inclusiveness of ASEAN Member States. ASEAN can further maximise the benefits of regional integration and co-operation by capitalising on global mega trends, such as the expanding inter-connected global cross-border flows and accelerating technology and digital advancements that are increasingly defining international production, trade, services and investment. To enable ASEAN to seize the opportunities associated with these mega trends, all sectoral working groups will need to proactively consider the impact of these trends and integrate them into their future work programmes. Consultations with relevant stakeholders in such undertakings will be imperative as they are often at the forefront of these trends. Enhanced Connectivity and Sectoral Cooperation The main objectives of this characteristic are to enhance economic connectivity in the transport, telecommunication and energy sectors, in line with and in support of the vision and goals of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) and its successor document, as well as to further integrate and co-operate in key sectors that complement existing efforts towards creating an integrated and sustainable economic region, with the aim to maximize their contribution in improving the overall competitiveness of ASEAN and strengthening soft and hard networks in the region. Transport The AEC 2025 vision for transport co-operation will be towards greater connectivity, efficiency, integration, safety and sustainability of ASEAN 6 34 VOL - MARCH 2016 VOL65 55JANUARY JUNE 2013 transport to strengthen ASEAN’s competitiveness and foster regional inclusive growth and development. It is envisaged that ASEAN transport cooperation will have to remain focused in the areas of land transport, air transport, maritime transport and transport facilitation, and to embrace sustainable transport as a new key sectoral focus as it has a vital role to play in the sustainable development of the ASEAN region. Strategic measures include: Land transport: Establish an efficient, safe and integrated regional land transport network within ASEAN and with the neighbouring countries to support the development of trade and tourism, through the following key measures: (a) Achieve land transport infrastructure (road and railway) integration and inter-modal inter-connectivity, with principal airports, ports, and inland waterway and ferry links; and (b) Promote concerted and co-ordinated efforts at policy and operation levels to develop ASEAN land transport trade corridors. Air transport: Strengthen the ASEAN Single Aviation Market (ASAM) for a more competitive and resilient ASEAN, through the following key measures: (a) Advance safer and more secure skies in ASEAN; (b) Enhance air traffic management efficiency and capacity through a seamless ASEAN sky; and (c) Foster greater connectivity, including the conclusion of aviation agreements with Dialogue Partners. Maritime transport: Establish an ASEAN Single Shipping Market (ASSM) and promote maritime safety, security and strategic economic corridors within ASEAN, through the following key measures: (a) Continue to streng then maritime connectivity within ASEAN through the establishment of ASSM regional maritime transport co-operation and effective implementation of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions towards realising an integrated, efficient and competitive maritime transport