Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
14 PERSPECTIVESTrade is the lifeblood of any nation and seaports are vital to trade.In its quest to continually improve <strong>Port</strong> <strong>Klang</strong> as Malaysia’s tradinggateway, it is imperative that <strong>Port</strong> <strong>Klang</strong> Authority (PKA) work veryclosely with the various stakeholders, including the trade industry.As Malaysia’s longest established trade association, the MalaysianInternational Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) is animportant stakeholder representative.According to MICCI President Charles Ireland, Malaysia has beena major exporting nation for many years, and hence has been asignificant component of the global shipping community. “Importsand exports have grown with the Malaysian economy, and Malaysiais now one of the top 20 trading nations in the world with aspirationsfor further growth. This has led to an active port scene with a numberof ports in Peninsula and East Malaysia offering access points forgoods,” he explains.Ireland maintains that the key to ensuring that <strong>Port</strong> <strong>Klang</strong> continues to bean attractive trading gateway in terms of productivity, cost effectivenessand innovation is competition. The proximity of Singapore, another majorworld class port, has required Malaysian ports to match the standards andpricing of its neighbour in order to secure a good share of the availablemarket. “Sustaining the highest service standards at competitive rateswill ensure that Malaysian ports continue to flourish as load, dischargeand transshipment hubs,” he remarks.CHARLES HENRY IRELANDPresidentMalaysian International Chamberof Commerce and Industrywww.micci.comMICCI acknowledges the primary roles and responsibilities playedby PKA as the regulatory authority and trade facilitator in drivingthe various initiatives and improvements to <strong>Port</strong> <strong>Klang</strong>. “The clearleadership of PKA in setting the direction of <strong>Port</strong> <strong>Klang</strong> has ensuredthe smooth running of the whole system,” Ireland explains. “Wewelcome PKA’s promotion of <strong>Port</strong> <strong>Klang</strong> as Malaysia’s trading gateway,and would be pleased to advise on any areas of common interest toaid in this endeavour.”CONSULTATION ANDCOMPETITIVENESSModern ports require a wide range of services to be attractive, as portsare more than a collection of quays, cranes and warehouses. FromMICCI’s perspective, <strong>Port</strong> <strong>Klang</strong> needs to examine likely changes inthe Malaysian import/export pattern of the future so as to anticipateGATEWAYA PUBLICATION OF PORT KLANG AUTHORITY
Change language