ASEAN Ports Association

1967

ASEAN Was Formed

In 1967, countries in South East Asia region forged
an economic and trade alliance called the Association
of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN to advance their
agenda for economic growth, social progress and
cultural development.

Its founding member-nations were Indonesia, Malaysia,
Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

1974

The Beginning of an Idea

The inspiration of establishing an alliance of port
authorities in the ASEAN was hatched during a sports
festival held in Sabah in 1974.

After a series of meetings relating to the drawing up
of framework and mechanism for regional cooperation,
the ASEAN Port Authorities Association was born.

1975

ASEAN Port Authorities Association

The Association was the brainchild of Messrs.
R. Geotina of the Philippines and J. E. Habibie of
Indonesia, both participants of the Sabah sports fest.

They are remembered as the founding officers of the
APA and were elected as the first Chairman and
Vice-Chairman of the Association in 1975.

September 1975

First Annual Meeting

The first annual meeting of the APAA was convened in
Manila, Philippines in September 1975.

The meeting was attended by port representatives from
the five ASEAN member-countries: Indonesia, Malaysia,
Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

During the meeting, members officially approved the
Terms of Reference of the Association and subscribed
to its objectives, principles and purposes.

1984

Brunei Darussalam Joins

To enhance its collective strength, membership of the
Association was expanded with the admission of ports
in Brunei Darussalam in 1984.

1996

Vietnam Joins

Ports in Vietnam were admitted into the Association
in 1996.

1997

Expansion of APA

During the 21st APA Main Meeting in Singapore in
November 1997, Members formally adopted changes in
the Constitution and By-Laws of the APA.

Among the amendments was the modification in the name
of the Association to ASEAN Ports Association (APA).

The scope of activities and objectives was expanded
to cover port planning and development as a major
concern of APA, as well as closer relationships with
regional, national and international port-related
groups and associations.

Membership was also expanded to include corporatized
or privatized ports as associate members.

2003

Cambodia Joins

Ports in Cambodia were admitted into the Association
in 2003.

2005

Myanmar Joins

Ports in Myanmar were admitted into the Association
in 2005.