The importance of having in place a National Maritime Transport Policy (NMTP) was highlighted at a workshop (23-25 May) for 30 strategy officials from Belize representing various government Ministries and related agencies, along with other stakeholders in the maritime sector. The aim of the event, held in Belize City, was to advance understanding of key issues in maritime transport policy. The benefits were stressed of good governance practice as a way of guiding planning, decision making and legislation in the maritime sector - a key driver for a country’s sustainable development.
An NMTP is a statement of principles and objectives to guide decisions in the maritime transport sector with a view to achieving the maritime vision of a country and ensuring that efficient, sustainable, safe and environmentally sound governance of the sector. IMO provides Member States with assistance in formulating and developing NMTPs. They are complementary to the concept of the blue economy, which is closely associated with sustainable development.
Belize’s Maritime Technical Committee, comprised of members of the Belize Port Authority, the International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize, Ministries and other stakeholders, is the framework through which the country’s NMPT is being developed. It ensures cross-sector stakeholder involvement in the NMPT development process, based on consultation and collaboration.
The workshop was delivered by IMO in cooperation with the World Maritime University (WMU).
Source: IMO
