The 16th IMT-GT Working Group on Transport Connectivity (WGTC) meeting was held from 31 July to 1 August in Bangkok, Thailand. Chaired by Mr. Prapatpaow Awakul, Director of International Affairs Division, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport of the Kingdom of Thailand, the Meeting was also attended by the officials from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. The Indonesian delegation was led by Mr. Amiruddin, Head of Domestic, Bilateral and Subregional Cooperation, Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia, while the Malaysian delegation was led by Dr. Siti Muhaza Sheikh Zainal, Undersecretary, Strategic Planning and International Division, Ministry of Transport of Malaysia. The delegation from Thailand was led by Ms. Ponchanan Mungkarndee, Chief of Regional and Neighboring Countries Cooperation Sub-division International Affairs Division, Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport of the Kingdom of Thailand. The Meeting was also attended by representatives from the IMT-GT University Network (UNINET) and the IMT-GT Joint Business Council (JBC).
Updates on various projects, particularly the IMT-GT Physical Connectivity Projects (PCPs), were discussed. These projects include the Sumatera Toll Road Project in Indonesia, the East Coast Rail Link project in Malaysia, and the construction of the road alignment linking CIQ Sadao to ICQS Bukit Kayu Hitam in Thailand. These initiatives aim to enhance regional connectivity and promote economic integration among the three countries.
Following the meeting, all delegates visited the office of the Port Authority of Thailand in Bangkok. During the visit, they gained insights into the operations and strategic importance of Bangkok Port. The delegates learned about the port’s role in facilitating international trade and its advanced logistics and transport systems. Bangkok Port serves as a crucial hub for Thailand’s maritime trade, handling a significant volume of cargo and connecting Thailand to global markets. The port’s efficient infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities help streamline cargo handling, reduce transit times, and lower transportation costs, thereby boosting Thailand’s competitiveness in the global supply chain. The visit highlighted the port’s contribution to Thailand’s economic growth and its pivotal role in supporting the transport and logistics sector.
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