Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and UN ESCAP Explore 'Post-Corona Smart Port Response Measures'

[Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced on the 26th that it will hold an online international seminar on port development cooperation with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) on the 27th. UN ESCAP, established in 1947, is the only international organization in the Asia-Pacific region and has a total of 62 member countries.

Since its first event in 2016, this year marks the 4th international seminar on port development cooperation. It is a gathering where UN ESCAP member countries, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and others come together to explore international cooperation measures for port development in the Asia-Pacific region, the only international organization covering this area. The seminar has discussed various cooperation measures under themes such as ▲improving maritime transport safety and port infrastructure development ▲strengthening integrated transport connectivity in the Asia region ▲sustainable port development and improving port productivity.

This year’s seminar, themed "Smart Port Development for Sustainable Maritime Connectivity in the Asia-Pacific Region," will address the direction of building smart ports in line with the era where non-face-to-face and unmanned operations are emerging due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first session will cover current issues and future response measures in the port and logistics sectors of the Asia-Pacific region, while the second session will discuss national strategies related to smart port development from seven major countries including South Korea. At this event, South Korea will introduce the "Korean-style Smart Port" presented in the "2030 Port Policy Direction and Promotion Strategy" announced on the 17th, emphasizing that the establishment of smart ports must be further expanded to enhance port productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

The final session will explore ways to improve logistics flows in the Asia-Pacific region through smart ports and seek efficient cooperation methods between countries and international organizations, with representatives from UN ESCAP and private sector experts participating.

Kim Sung-won, Director of Port Investment Cooperation at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, said, "The need for non-face-to-face and automation adoption is increasing across all industries due to COVID-19," adding, "We will strive to enhance port productivity and activate cooperation between countries through this seminar."