Transport minister Raymond Lim said: 'I would urge that this STOM (Asean Senior Transport Officials Meeting) finalise the implementing texts for the Asean Roadmap for Integration of Air Travel Sector (RIATS) so that we can have these signed early next year to meet the 2008 deadline that had already been set of us back in 2004.'

He said the the document will also give a hugh boost to the already strong intra-Asean tourist flows, with more than 27 million intra-Asean visitors in 2006, a 20 per cent increase over the previous year.

'The timely implmentation of RIATS will be a milestone as it will step us firmly on the path towards a full liberalisation of our air travel sector.'

Mr Lim was speaking at the opening of the 24th STOM on Monday.

He also pointed out that Maritime Transport Working group 'has made good progress in developing a roadmap for an integrated and competitive maritime transport sector in Asean'.

He hoped the roadmap can be adopted at the coming Asean Transport Ministers Meeting on Nov 1-2 and urged 'close attention to achieving this outcome'.

Singapore is chairing the 3-day meeting. Officials from the 10 Asean countries will discuss issues such as transport infrastructure development and enhancing transport linkages and connectivity in the region.