U.S. private sector reinforces ASEAN Transport Connectivity

On November 20-22, 2024, the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council’s multi-sectoral delegation reiterated support to ASEAN’s connectivity goals and led policy discussions at the 30^th ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting (ATM) hosted by Malaysia. Council Senior Vice President and Regional Managing Director Ambassador Brian McFeeters (ret.) co-led the delegation with FedEx’s Head of Government Affairs for ASEAN Ilham Bustami. ​ 

“It’s great to be back in Kuala Lumpur, and we thank Malaysia Transport Minister Loke for his warm welcome and hospitality in chairing and hosting the 30^th ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting,” McFeeters stated. ​ 

“The U.S.-ASEAN Business Council supports ASEAN Connectivity, and we are excited for Malaysia’s upcoming 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship. We are very eager to support the region in the next iteration of the Masterplan on ASEAN Transport Connectivity and foster public-private collaboration to implement ASEAN’s vision,” he added. ​ ​ 

The Council offered policy recommendations to help drive the important work of connectivity. It delivered a Policy Paper on Integrated Transport Solutions in ASEAN  which scopes out challenges in transport master planning and recommends strategies and approaches to integrate intermodal safety and cross-border security, to promote public-private partnerships and ESG investments, to reform customs and modernize the logistics sector, to upskill and build capacity, and to strengthen stakeholder consultations. ​ ​ 

The Business Mission held a working luncheon consultation with ASEAN Transport Ministers, Timor-Leste and the ASEAN Secretariat. During this Luncheon, each company delegation focused on solutions in the areas of Supply Chain Resilience, Customs Reform and Modernization, Better Connectivity, Road Safety, Sustainable Transport, and Aviation Security. ​ ​ 

The delegation had bilateral meetings with Malaysia Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Brunei Transport and Infocommunications Minister Shamhary Mustapha, the Philippines Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista, and Vietnam Transport Minister Nguyen Duy Lam. The Council also engaged with Mr. Fikry Cassidy, Head of the Indonesia Center for Partnership Facilitation and International Organizations, Ministry of Transportation, ASEAN Deputy Secretary General Satvinder Singh and U.S. Mission to ASEAN Chargé d’Affaires Kate Rebholz.