Region’s shipping activities support trade, development

THE maritime sector continues to support trade and economic development in the Asia-Pacific region through its increased shipping activities, National Maritime Safety Authority chief executive officer Chris Rupen says.
At a reception to mark the end of the 20th Seminar for Asia-Pacific Port State Control officers at Port Moresby’s Grand Papua Hotel last week, Rupen said the region accounted for about 40% of global population, 54% of gross domestic product (GDP), 44% of global trade and member countries represented 40% of worldwide shipping and  half of the world’s seafarers.
Rupen said about 90 per cent of the population in Pacific Island states lived in rural, costal and island communities and depend heavily on marine resources.
“The ocean is regarded as their ‘supermarket,’’ he said.
Urging a working partnership with the private sector, the maritime Rupen said maritime administrators needed to focus on marine pollution response, search and rescue and effective implementation of the    maritime guidelines.