MEDIA RELEASE
Asian Shippers’ Alliance Charts Path Towards
Resilient and Sustainable Global Trade
Brussels, Belgium, November 18, 2024 – The Asian Shippers’ Alliance (ASA)
successfully concluded its 2024 Annual Meeting in Brussels, hosted by the European
Shippers’ Council (ESC). ASA extends its heartfelt gratitude to ESC for their
exceptional hospitality and support in facilitating this critical meeting, which brought
together representatives from shippers’ councils across Asia, including Bangladesh,
Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand, to address pressing global
trade challenges.
Dato Nathan K’ Suppiah, Chairman of ASA and the Malaysia National Shippers’
Council (MNSC), delivered a compelling opening address, emphasising the urgency
of confronting global disruptions with collective resolve and forward-thinking strategies.
He highlighted the far-reaching impact of geopolitical tensions, supply chain
disruptions, and evolving regulatory frameworks, stating, “Trade corridors are the
arteries of the global economy, and when they falter, every sector bleeds.” These
global challenges, compounded by domestic issues such as port delays, inefficiencies
in empty-container depots, and limited adoption of multimodal transport, continue to
strain global supply chains and escalate costs.
ASA reaffirmed its commitment to tackling these interconnected challenges by
focusing on:
• Digitalisation and Transparency: Promoting digitalised Customs procedures
and transparent port operations to reduce delays, standardise charges, and
ensure seamless information flow across supply chains in line with evolving
ESG requirements.
• Collaborative Advocacy: Strengthening partnerships between governments
and the private sector to address economic pressures and promote fairer freight
practices.
• Greener Supply Chains: Advancing sustainability through green initiatives,
modernised port infrastructure, and eco-friendly practices to build resilient
supply chains.
• Strengthened Partnerships: The meeting showcased ASA’s collaboration
with the European Shippers’ Council (ESC) and Global Shippers’ Alliance (GSA)
to address global trade challenges collectively and share best practices.
ESC shared insights on the challenges faced by shippers, including high freight costs,
surcharges, and inefficiencies in logistics operations. Both ASA and ESC stressed the
need for standardisation and collaboration to address these issues, particularly the
absence of a global legal framework for multimodal transport liability, which continues
to hinder efficiency and adoption.
Dato Nathan also unveiled ASA’s forward-looking vision to expand its membership,
with plans to include China, further strengthening the Alliance’s influence and
advocacy for shippers across Asia.
The meeting concluded with a call for innovation and proactive policymaking to
safeguard the resilience of global trade. “The global shipping landscape is evolving
rapidly, and our ability to adapt will determine not just the success of shippers, but the
resilience of the entire global economy,” Dato Nathan declared.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Ms Shamini Sakthinathan
E-mail: shamini@fmm.org.my
Secretariat of Malaysia National Shippers’ Council (MNSC)
and Asian Shippers’ Alliance (ASA)
Ms Katsiaryna Kliuyeva
E-mail: K.Kliuyeva@europeanshippers.eu
Manager, Public Affairs and Communication
European Shippers Council (ESC)