Projects to Improve Asia-Pacific Transportation Endorsed
The APEC Transportation Working Group has endorsed a series of projects intended to work towards the goals of an increasingly safe, secure, efficient, integrated and environmentally sustainable transportation system in the APEC region.
Presented to senior transportation officials from APEC economies meeting in Wellington, New Zealand, on June 12-13, the projects will contribute to activities such as port development planning, mutual recognition of qualifications and aviation negotiation training.
The APEC Transportation Working Group will now recommend the following projects to the APEC Budget Management Committee:
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A project to trial a competency-based model of mutual recognition of Qualifications for Logistics Managers.
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Two workshops to increase efficiency, safety, security and environmental protection in multi-modal transport through the use of Global Navigation Satellite Systems.
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A training workshop in International Air Services Negotiations.
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Case studies on using new technologies in intermodal transport in Asia Pacific Trade.
Forecasting cargo throughput to assist shipping and port authorities make master plans and co-ordinate investment in shipping and port infrastructure in the APEC region.
The projects were approved as they contribute to achieving the requirements of the "Six Priorities" laid out by APEC Transport Ministers when they met in Lima, Peru, in 2002. These priorities guide the group in achieving their regional transportation industry goals:
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The elimination of barriers to a more competitive transportation operating environment across all modes of transport compliant with international safety and security standards.
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The promotion of economic and technical cooperation - particularly for developing economies striving to achieve the Bogor Goals of free and open regional trade and investment.
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The promotion of new technologies to enhance safety, security, environmental protection and energy efficiency.
The promotion of timely rational investment in the region's transport infrastructure through the application of appropriate technology, trade and transport facilitation techniques.
Cooperation to address institutional constraints affecting the efficient provision of transportation services in the region, including cross-border transport facilitation.
Enhancing human capacity in productivity, skills and efficiency of labour and management in the transport sector.
The Group also discussed preparations for its next meeting in Busan, Korea in September 2003, and a Ministerial-level meeting to be held in Indonesia in July 2004.
Additional details of the APEC Transportation Working Group endorsed projects will be posted on the APEC Secretariat Website in the coming weeks: www.apecsec.org.sg
Further information about the APEC Transportation Working Group is available at: http://www.apecsec.org.sg/workgroup/transportation.html