The Department of Transportation, led by Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, has vowed to become an active partner in boosting transportation potentials in the ASEAN region.

In a press statement, Bautista said he signed the world's first inter-region aviation cooperation agreement during the 28th ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting on 17 October.

He was joined by other transport ministers in stamping their approval of the ASEAN-EU Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement, and ASEAN Agreement on Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue Cooperation.

The agreement is expected to strengthen connectivity and rebuild the economy in the South East Asian region.

Key player

"As a key player in the transport affairs of the Southeast Asian region, the Republic of the Philippines is supportive and is one with the other partner nations in pushing for agreements and areas of partnership that will further develop the region's transportation potentials," Bautista said.

He pointed out that the ASEAN-EU CATA "is the world's first bloc-to-bloc air transport agreement" aimed at reinforcing connectivity and post-pandemic-economic recovery of the 37-member states of the ASEAN and EU.

"This agreement will prove to be a game-changer as both ASEAN and EU countries slowly recover and rebuild from the effects of the pandemic."

Profound impact

The agreement will have a profound impact in the areas of trade and tourism for ASEAN and the EU. The ASEAN-EU CATA will also rebuild air connectivity between ASEAN and Europe which was suddenly suspended by the pandemic," he added.