langkawi magazine
Archives SECTION
ASEAN Working on Easing Regional Travel
Asean leaders are working towards having a single visa or even a visa-free entry for member countries. Tourism Minister Datuk Dr Leo Michael Toyad, however, said no time limit had been fixed to realise hassle-free travel to tap the 500 million-strong Asean population.
'There are a lot of intricacies involved and countries have to get back to their relevant ministries to look into the matter,†he said.
'To increase travel through such incentive is not a far-fetched idea,†he said.
Dr Toyad said the Asean grouping would continue to pursue the matter and in the meantime would look towards joint campaigns such as the Asean hip-hop pass to encourage travel within the region.
'Right now Malaysia allows visa-free travel valid for two weeks for visitors from Asean member countries. Other countries such as Myanmar still require visa for entry,†he said.
It is learnt that also being considered for foreigners is a single visa which could allow them to travel to any country in the entire Asean region.
In a joint media release, Asean Tourism Ministers unanimously welcomed efforts by the Asean Director-Generals of Immigration Departments and Heads of Consular Affairs Divisions of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs to embark on the Framework Agreement on Visa Exemption for Asean nationals and called for early conclusion and implementation.
The Ministers also welcomed the World Trade Organisation`s (WTO) initiative in organising a special session on the aftermath of earthquake and tsunami in Phuket on Feb 1.
In a Langkawi Declaration on Shifting Paradigm – Prospering the region, the Ministers, among others, pledge to:
- ENHANCE air linkages, ground and waterway transportation, and other initiatives in order to facilitate greater inter and intra-Asean travel and tourism.
- WORK closely to remove all impediments to travel and tourism within Asean and further promote Asean as a single destination.
- ENHANCE the safety and security of travellers, thereby restoring confidence, while recognising that efficient and effective facilitation of travel is vital to the continued growth of the industry.
- ENHANCE communications and networking among member countries in order to effect timely and appropriate responses during crisis.
Langkawi 26/01/2005
