On behalf of the officers and members of the Filipino Shipowners Association, I wish to extend our heartiest congratulations to the Australian Shipowners Association for hosting the 14th Asian Shipowners Forum.

The annual meeting is a most important event on the calendar of Asian shipowners. It not only gives us the opportunity to renew our acquaintances and friendships but likewise keeps us abreast with all the shipping issues and concerns that are of common interest to us.

The 'S' Committees of the ASF have been important venues for us to share and exchange views on how to achieve our common goals. The participation and discussion in these committees have been not only encouraging through the years but also thought provoking. I am confident that the discussions during the ASF meeting will achieve common prosperity and mutual benefits for its members.

To the organizers and delegates of the 14th ASF, my best wishes for a successful meeting.