Asean Lane creates Asean identity, notes Philippine envoy

KUALA LUMPUR: The setting up of the Asean Lane is aimed at driving into the creation of an Asean identity and community in the region, notes Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia, J. Eduardo Malaya.
He said Manila was happy with the establishment of Asean lanes at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (klia2).
Therefore, he suggested that all Asean countries establish Asean lanes in their respective international airports.
"We are happy to see Asean lanes at Malaysia's airports. We hope to see more Asean lanes operating in Asean countries in the near future as this is part of efforts to create the Asean identity and community.
"The earlier we have Asean lanes, the better as it will facilitate business travel and promote intra-Asean trade," he told Bernama in a recent interview.
Malaysia, as the Asean Chair in 2015, has set up five Asean Lanes — two at the international departure hall and three at the international arrival hall at the KLIA.
At the klia2, the international departure and arrival halls have two such lanes each for travellers from Asean countries.
The Asean Lane will facilitate easy access for visitors from member countries to the immigration check-in and check-out counters.
Thailand was the first Asean country to establish an Asean Lane at the Don Mueang Airport, ahead of the 5th Asean Summit in December 1995.
Last December, however, Thailand dismantled its two Asean lanes at the arrival gates of the Suvarnabhumi International Airport. – Bernama