Intra-Asia: Fastest growing trade accounts for 25pc
US$6 trillion total

INTRA-ASIA, fastest growing trade area worldwide, accounts for 25 per cent of Asia's total of US$6 trillion in annual exports and this number is expected to increase.
Not surprisingly, China is the major driver in this growth with 37 per cent of the total ASEAN trade taking place with China.
It is largely an LCL (less than container load) world and not only are individual consignment smaller so is the value per cubic metre. Even boastful growth numbers are largely produced by exports from shallow-water Asian ports in feeder ships to deepwater Asian ports like Colombo, for onward passage by major carriers' mega ships to Europe or the Americas.  >More
 

Ports in Indonesia gain momentum to expedite development
as economy looks to renewed growth

INDONESIA has made remarkable progress in setting the framework for further development of its ports after the promulgation of the 2008 Shipping Law.
As the world's largest archipelago, Indonesia's economic prospects appear to be brightening in 2015.
Since taking office in October, the government led President Joko Widodo (known as Jokowi), has taken advantage of falling global oil prices to carry out a radical overhaul of Indonesia's costly fuel-subsidy regime.  >More
 

Intra-Asia lines need to cooperate or go bankrupt due to
alarmingly low rates

WHILE intra-Asia trade volumes are expected to experience persistent growth, the region has become an unstable and feeble market over the past few years despite its promising prospects.
As the rates have shrunk to a dangerously low level, intra-Asia carriers are beset with survival problem now.
"We will see more bankruptcies if rates don't go up," warned a senior manager of a large intra-Asian shipping company.
He suggested that intra-Asia carriers should pursue more vessel-sharing agreements, slot swaps or joint sailings, and quit competing for more containers.    >More
 

Ridding intra-Asia of cabotage rules would remove major
barriers to regional economic development

AMONG the top 10 countries with a significant protected cabotage fleet, seven are Asian countries and collectively their maritime rules and regulations seriously hurt the development of intra-Asian trade.
Except for the US and Japan, the rest are all emerging countries including China, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Malaysia, India, Vietnam and Russia.
China has the largest cabotage fleet, accounting for 45 per cent of the total. Indonesia follows with 24 per cent, while the US comes next with 10 per cent and Brazil the fourth with nine per cent.
The vessels involved all fly the flags of the countries they serve, with exemptions under some restrictions.    >More