LADA TO ENSURE SMOOTH 2025 ASEAN MEETING IN LANGKAWI

ALOR SETAR, Dec 27 (Bernama) -- As Malaysia takes on the ASEAN Chairmanship starting Jan 1, 2025, and hosts major regional meetings, Langkawi’s selection as one of the venues, offers the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) a unique opportunity to be directly involved in this high-profile event.

LADA chief executive officer Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid emphasised that, as a key entity in the development of the iconic island, LADA is also tasked with ensuring the smooth and successful execution of the international-level conference.

“LADA is the coordinating agency for the ASEAN Logistics Secretariat (SILA) 2025 and works closely with various ministries to ensure that the ASEAN meeting in Langkawi is organised efficiently,” she said.

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She also noted that LADA acts as the implementing agency in collaboration with local authorities (PBT) and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) to enhance the island's aesthetic appeal in preparation for the event.

Additionally, LADA collaborates with the relevant ministries to manage the booking of services and supplies, including souvenirs and tourism activities, sourced from local suppliers, entrepreneurs, industry players, and the Langkawi community, tailored specifically for the needs of the meeting.

Starting Jan 1, 2025,  the country is once again given the responsibility of hosting major ASEAN meetings, which will begin with the first ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat on Jan 18 to 19 in Langkawi.

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This was followed by the 46th ASEAN Summit and the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur, as well as the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting in Penang, scheduled for May.

According to Haslina, LADA is not directly involved in providing input on the status of Langkawi's development, as it is through the ministry that organises the meeting.

“In helping to improve the local economy, LADA also helps provide a platform for several entrepreneurs for exhibition and sales sessions of handicraft products as well as products from local entrepreneurs,” she said.

Haslina said to ensure coordination and smooth running of the event, meetings with all federal, state, local authority, private, non-governmental and community agencies are being held regularly.

-- BERNAMA