The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Port Services Network (APSN) is a new international organization that will provide opportunities for ports and the port services community to liaise and discuss with APEC member economies on such issues as the impact of regulations and policies on various maritime industries. Membership in this international organization will provide a unique opportunity to network with other industry members from the Asia-Pacific region, creating an open and cooperative business environment. The APSN will go a long way to building better business relationships and stronger ties within ports and port service industries worldwide.
Membership is open, but not limited to:
- Port authorities and corporations;
- Terminal operators and owners;
- Shipping lines;
- Shipping agents;
- Stevedoring companies;
- Logistics companies and freight forwarders;
- Rail companies;
- Other port services companies.
The mission statement of the APSN is: "Networking for Stronger Ports Industry and Better Community". Its work is focused on increasing cooperation among ports, capacity-building, and information exchange with the aim of achieving common prosperity of all APEC member economies.
The APSN was developed and guided by the APEC Transportation Working Group -Maritime Experts Group over the past two years, in response to decisions in 2007 of the APEC Economic Leaders and APEC Transportation Ministers. China has led this initiative and there are now 14 member economies, including Australia; Canada; China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Japan; Korea; Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, Chinese Taipei; Thailand; the United States and Viet Nam.
Projects undertaken by the APSN include the establishment of an APEC Port database, which would consolidate and provide extensive information to all APSN members on port and port related industries that will facilitate cross-sectoral cooperation and sharing of information amongst members. Additionally, this effort will be supported by technical visits and personnel training and by holding exhibitions, development conferences and trade fairs that allow for the exchange of management expertise and experience, leading to enhanced technology transfer and the promotion of trade and investment.
The APSN membership consists of two types of members: Council Members and Regular Members. The Council Members are senior representatives of the competent authority by each APEC member economy. Regular Members would be representatives of various organizations, institutions, public administrations, as well as any associations or individuals connected to ports, shipping, logistics, trade, manufacturing and finance sectors of the APEC member economies. Any group or individual seeking to join the APSN as a Regular Member should submit an application form to the Secretary-General of the APSN.