Facilitation Committee (FAL 49) - Closing remarks

ADDRESS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE CLOSING OF THE 49TH SESSION OF THE FACILITATION COMMITTEE (FAL 49), 10 to 14 March 2025

Delivered by IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez on 14 March 2025

Distinguished delegates, 

We have come to the end of another session of the Facilitation Committee.

Let me highlight some of the most important results of your work this week:

  • Firstly, the approval of the revised versions of the rules of procedure and the method of work of the Committee. These are key texts for upcoming which will be useful for the upcoming sessions of other committees;
  • The approval of the amendments to the annex to the FAL Convention on key workers during a public health emergency of international concern, that will have a positive impact both for seafarers and port workers;
  • The finalization of a new version of the IMO Compendium on Facilitation and Electronic Business, including new data sets; and
  • The approval of the amendments to important instruments related to digitalization, the revised version of the Guidelines for setting up a MSW and the joint FAL-LEG-MEPC-MSC guidelines on electronic certificates.

You have also had a thorough discussion on the strategy on maritime digitalization to lay the foundation for the future work of the correspondence group that will report to FAL 50. Your Committee has invited digitalization experts from the other committees to join this correspondence group, thereby ensuring coordinated work on the strategy by all relevant committees.

I wish to thank your Chair, Mr. Watchara Chiemanukulkit of Thailand, who led the Committee successfully.

I would also like to thank your Vice-Chair, Mr. Mohamed Al Kaabi, of UAE, for his support throughout this session, chairing also a working group during this session.

I also wish to express my appreciation to the Chairs of the working and expert groups convened during this session for your commitment to progress the Committee’s work, in particular;

  • Mr. Mikael Renz of Sweden; 
  • Mr. Fabien Joret of France; and
  • Mr. Chakir El Aissaoui of Morocco. 

As always, this is also an opportune moment to thank those delegates and experts who are leaving us and for whom this is the last session of the Committee.

I would also like to take this opportunity to appreciate the work of the staff in the Maritime Safety Division for their exceptional work in preparing for this meeting and supporting your Committee during this week, as well as that of all the other staff of the Secretariat. All of them work tirelessly to provide the required professional support to meet your expectations. I also wish to say a special thank you to the interpreters, who once again have facilitated our seamless communication during our meeting. 

I wish you all an enjoyable and restful weekend and safe journey home.

Thank you.

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