SPPP FORGES COLLABORATION WITH IMPA, EXPANDS STRATEGIC TIES IN MARITIME SECTOR

GEORGE TOWN, Dec 17 (Bernama) -- The Penang Port Commission (SPPP)  has taken the initiative to forge a significant alliance with India Malaysia Port Alliance (IMPA) to expand strategic ties in the maritime sector globally.

SPPP chairman Datuk Yeoh Soo Hin said that SPPP, as the port authority and regulatory body of Penang Port and Port Klang Authority (LPK) that represented Malaysia, had done this through participation in various port associations worldwide.

"This alliance was forged through the inking of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between SPPP and Indian Port Association (IPA) in New Delhi yesterday.

"The MoU aims to enhance bilateral cooperation between both countries in exploring fields with high potential and sharing best practices in port infrastructure development, shipping policy reforms and sustainable maritime management," he said in a statement today.

He added that the Malaysian delegation to India, headed by Transport Ministry secretary-general Datuk M.Jana Santhira, was welcomed by India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways secretary Shri T.K. Ramachandran.

Yeoh said that through this collaboration, Malaysia will continue to forge stronger international ties, enhance port operation performance and contribute to the growth of global trade and maritime development.

He added that the alliance focused on optimising port infrastructure, sharing best practices and adopting innovative technologies to facilitate smoother trade and promote sustainable growth in the maritime sector.

"However, it is not limited to just that as the scope of the alliance will expand according to current needs to ensure it remains relevant in the future," he said.

He said the MoU also aimed to promote trade between Malaysia and India, expand the cruise industry, provide training and facilitate the sharing of maritime technology-related knowledge.

He said that by strengthening trade relations and encouraging knowledge-sharing, Malaysia will strive to enhance its position in the global market and improve its industrial capabilities.

"In addition, the Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB), as the operator appointed to handle Penang Port operations, has signed a Letter of Appointment with Maritime Marvel Cruise Pte Ltd of Singapore and also Thirdeye Maritime Services Pvt Ltd of India yesterday as a proactive measure to promote the cruise ship industry in Malaysia.

"As SPPP chairman, I believe these initiatives taken by SPPP, LPK and PPSB are quite significant and beneficial to the development of the maritime sector in Malaysia, considering the collaboration has been expanded to a country which has a unique expertise in the maritime field," he said.

Yeoh said the SPPP thanked the Ministry of Transport for its strategic direction in expanding Malaysia's maritime alliance network.

He hoped that the alliance could further enhance the country's maritime industry's competitiveness and provide significant benefits to the country's economic growth.

"Hopefully, the cooperation forged can strengthen ties between all parties and ensure continued progress in the maritime sector, thus putting Malaysia in a firmer position at the global level," he said.

-- BERNAMA