5th APEC TRANSPORTATION MINISTERIAL MEETING
28 - 30 MARCH 2007
ADELAIDE AUSTRALIA
JOINT MINISTERIAL STATEMENT
1. We, the Ministers responsible for Transportation in the APEC region, met
in Adelaide, South Australia, on 28-30 March 2007, to discuss transport issues
of mutual concern.
2. Transportation plays a key role in the APEC agenda for trade
facilitation and economic integration in the Asia-Pacific region. The movement
of people and goods underpins economic and social development in the region.
Transport sector activity itself accounts for a significant portion of
regional economies. It is therefore necessary that the transport systems are
efficient, convenient and secure.
3. Our discussions focussed on three broad themes:
- transport's role in trade liberalisation and facilitation;
- transport safety; and
- transport security.
4. We acknowledge the diversity of APEC member economies and the need to
take appropriate individual and joint actions consistent with each member
economy's circumstances. We encourage developed member economies to render
appropriate assistance to developing member economies for mutual benefits and
common prosperity.
5. We are committed to examining ways in which liberalisation of transport
can promote regional economic integration, consistent with the APEC Leaders'
direction to examine ways and means to promote regional economic integration,
including a free trade area of the Asia Pacific as a long term prospect.
6. We look forward to continued efforts in realising APEC trade
facilitation goals in line with the directions identified in the Hanoi
Declaration by APEC Leaders in November 2006. In particular:
- We re-affirm our commitments to the Bogor Goals and the
successful conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) of the World
Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations and welcome the resumption of the DDA
negotiations.
- We encourage member economies to continue to contribute to the
reduction in business transaction costs through greater transport
efficiency.
- We encourage member economies to ensure total supply chain
security remains a priority in support of trade liberalisation and
facilitation.
7. We recognise that Leaders endorsed the initiative to establish an APEC
Port Service Network. This will stimulate trade and investment in the region
by integrating various sectors in shipping business, facilitate convenient and
secure freight transportation, enhance exchanges and cooperation among ports
and related sectors and promote their development, improve efficiency and
security of logistics systems. We request the Transportation Working Group (TPT-WG)
to assist in establishing the APEC Port Service Network in a timely manner.
8. We urge member economies to look for ways that transport initiatives can
contribute to regional economic integration. Substantial economic benefits can
be gained through further work such as addressing the practical side of trade
facilitation and reducing 'behind the border' barriers which add cost and
time to the movement of people and goods and constrain efficient trade flows.
World Bank studies suggest that bringing below average APEC members half way
up to the APEC average in trade facilitation would result in a 10% increase in
intra APEC trade worth about US $280 billion. (World Bank 2003).
9. The global security environment also warrants efforts by APEC to ensure
the unimpeded flow of trade. We are conscious of the need to balance security
and trade facilitation. We agree that harmonisation and consistency of
security measures is an important priority, noting the important implications
for business and passengers.
10. We are concerned about the continued threat of global terrorism. We
condemn, in the strongest terms possible, such attacks and the targeting of
transportation systems to inflict terror. We remain united in our
determination to enhance regional cooperation on transport security.
11. We recognise that, given the networked nature of transport systems,
effective transport security requires sharing of responsibility between
authorities, business and the community.
12. We welcome the work being done in developing a Trade Recovery Programme
for APEC and strongly support the objective of facilitating the swift recovery
of trade in the event of disruption caused by a major terrorist attack or
other calamities on the global supply chain.
13. In relation to transport security more broadly, the importance of
deterring attacks on transport systems has grown as a priority, over the last
decade, moving beyond traditional challenges such as prevention of aircraft
hijacking. It encompasses all modes, including mass transport where different
solutions need to be considered. We agree that risk assessment and risk based
approaches enable security measures to reflect the challenges and needs of
economies in APEC.
14. We value the efforts made by member economies in meeting the challenge
of ensuring the integrity of transport security systems. Much work has been
undertaken through the security sub-groups of the TPT-WG (The Working Group)
and the Secure Trade in the Asia-Pacific Region (STAR) initiative, to help
protect cargo, international shipping and international aviation.
15. We are committed to responding appropriately to any new and emerging
transport security challenges within the region. We agree that further work is
required to integrate and harmonise processes aimed at security protection in
transport operations while continuing to improve efficiency - both in
passenger operations and across the supply chain for freight.
16. We are concerned about the ongoing human and economic costs of
transport accidents and the importance of improving outcomes in transport
safety. This involves attention to a range of issues from regulation of
aviation and maritime operators to improving the safety of all road users.
17. Road safety presents particular challenges. While the mix of issues and
responses vary across member economies, we agree that the development of
comprehensive and effective strategies for improving transport safety is a
priority for every member economy.
18. We recognise the fruitful discussions that took place at the Road
Safety Summit conducted immediately before this Ministerial Meeting. We have
endorsed the directions recommended by the Summit, as set out in Part II of
this Statement. We commend the organisers and supporters of the Summit.
19. We recognise that there are other major challenges emerging for
transport, including industry restructuring and consolidation, freight growth,
increased demand for services, issues relating to the environment and energy
savings such as emissions and increases in the cost of fuel. We encourage the
Working Group to discuss measures to promote environmentally sustainable
transport and to look for opportunities to collaborate in areas such as fuel
efficiency and alternative energies, including biofuels.
20. We recognise and support the work being done in ICAO to develop a
balanced approach to address emissions from aviation operations, based on
mutual consent. We request that the Transportation Working Group work with
relevant experts in the field to address as a matter of urgency, options for
cooperative work to contribute to sustainable policy approaches on this issue.
We encourage economies to support the initiative to hold a seminar in the
second half of 2007 for APEC economies on the aviation emissions issues and
options for action.
21. We note with concern indications of emerging skill shortages in
critical roles across the transport sector and urge increased effort to
implement cooperative strategies for developing, attracting and retaining a
skilled workforce.
22. We recognise the importance of human capacity and institutional
development to respond to the emerging challenges of the transportation sector
in the APEC region, and encourage continued cooperative arrangements for
technical assistance and technology transfer.
23. New technologies including Information and Communications Technology
applications continue to offer improvements in efficiency, safety and security
outcomes. We re-affirm the importance of cooperation in the introduction of
new technologies and the development of technological solutions and standards
which provide interoperability across the APEC region where feasible.
24. We commit to continue cooperation with international organisations
including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the
International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Standards
Organization (ISO) to improve safety, security and efficiency outcomes in
aviation, maritime and land transport. It is important that the work of the
Working Group complements the work of other international forums without
duplication.
Working with industry
25. We agree that engaging industry is critical in consideration of the
APEC transport agenda and that open dialogue can be advanced through ongoing
consultation and information sharing. Special workshops or seminars will be
arranged as necessary to discuss key issues and consider options for practical
responses involving actions by competent authorities and industry as
appropriate. We strongly encourage projects and work that is part of broader
APEC initiatives involving industry.
26. Building on the industry feedback to the survey commissioned at Bali in
2004 to assess progress towards the Bogor Goals, we support further
exploration of the issues identified. Further efforts should focus on working
with industry on how to address issues such as harmonisation of standards and
regulatory practices, transparency in the application of regulations, improved
investment in infrastructure and practical approaches to dealing with
increased security requirements.
27. We recognise the participation of a range of businesses in the Industry
Showcase arranged by the host economy, Australia, in conjunction with this
meeting.
APEC Transportation Working Group
28. We received a report from our officials in the Transportation Working
Group, which continues to meet biannually. We noted that significant progress
towards achieving the Bogor Goals has been achieved in all transport sectors.
We request the Working Group continue its efforts to address the issues raised
in the report and to give priority to those issues we have identified and
other emerging issues which are key to the transport sector.
Key results and agreed actions
29. The key results and agreed actions from our discussions are summarised
in the outcome statements attached:
- Transport's role in trade liberalisation and facilitation;
- Transport safety; and
- Transport security.
We agree to work together on these priorities in a spirit of cooperation,
in the interest of promoting economic growth in each APEC member economy and
in the APEC region as a whole.
PART I: TRANSPORT'S ROLE IN TRADE LIBERALISATION AND
FACILITATION
Key challenges and agreed priorities
30. We remain committed to the goal of further trade liberalisation and
facilitation. While recognising that member economies will progress at their
own pace, APEC can provide a forum for cooperative effort and information
sharing to assist all economies to move forward.
31. Transport is a key enabler of trade and economic integration, and an
underpinning element of growth in the APEC region. As trade flows increase and
member economies grow, the demand for transport infrastructure and services
also expands. It is important therefore that processes and regulatory and
governance frameworks evolve in a way which does not impede efficiency and
growth.
32. There will be continuing challenges in the transport sector to balance
evolving security, safety and environmental requirements with trade
facilitation, recognising cost as a key consideration.
33. We recognise the growing pressure on transport labour markets to ensure
adequate supply of appropriately skilled and trained people to support growth
and development. There is a need for cooperative efforts with industry to
assist in identifying and implementing measures to address the critical
shortages.
Agreed actions
34. We request the Working Group to increase industry involvement,
particularly in the area of supply chain efficiency, to ensure a strong
balance between free trade and a safe, secure and sustainable sector. We
encourage further work on the following projects:
- the development of electronic tracking tools amongst like
minded member economies, that could be used to support shared access to
information about the passage of goods through the stages in a supply chain,
making tracking and processing more efficient; and
- using best practice examples, establish guidance on ways to
improve the efficiency of moving goods through sea ports and airports,
addressing the interaction of the commercial systems used by carriers,
security regulations, border clearance processes and other factors.
35. On transport liberalisation, we recognise the trade and tourism
benefits from allowing the transport industry to develop market based
solutions to meeting the region's increasing demands for services. We
encourage economies to consider timetables for progressive removal of
regulatory constraints and to promote arrangements to allow for the
development of innovative, efficient and safe transport services.
36. We recognise the importance of continued investment by economies in
transport infrastructure, including with the private sector, to facilitate
increased productivity and growth.
37. We support the symposium entitled "Strengthen Cross-Sector
Cooperation; Promote Common Development" to be conducted by the People's
Republic of China as the first step in establishing an APEC Port Service
Network. The symposium is aimed at exchanging information, soliciting opinions
and suggestions on the operation of the network and ways to enhance cross
sector cooperation and capacity building of ports in the APEC region.
38. We support the analysis done by the Working Group to identify the
remaining areas requiring attention by member economies to meet the Bogor
Goals in the transport sector. We request the Working Group to progress the
roadmap work by developing specific action plans under the following key
areas:
- Continuing liberalisation of transport services and increased
industry participation in infrastructure provision; and
- Facilitating trade by:
- addressing capacity building;
- promoting technological advances;
- working towards standardisation and mutual recognition;
- promoting safety and security measures; and
- promoting environmentally friendly and sustainable transport.
39. We also support continued efforts by the Working Group on the following
initiatives:
- the study to develop guidelines for member economies to address
the non-competitive aspects of non-ratemaking agreements among Liner
Shipping companies;
- the study of the role of sediments in ships as a source of
introduction of invasive aquatic pest species;
- the project providing information on the costs and benefits of
utilising ITS and e-commerce technologies aimed at securing trade and
increasing efficiency in the APEC region;
- the survey to prepare a World ITS Standards Report which will
determine the breadth of existing standards and document needs and lessons
learned for policy makers;
- the seminar to develop core competencies and leadership skills
in planning and managing Intermodal Systems and Technology; and
- the project to document best practices involved in short sea
shipping operations for users, operators, regulators and infrastructure
providers.
40. In relation to the broader APEC agenda we urge member economies to:
- continue to contribute to the work being undertaken on ways and
means to promote regional economic integration, including a Free Trade Area
of the Asia-Pacific as a long term prospect, as requested by Leaders; and
- continue to enhance cooperation with the World Bank and the
Asian Development Bank, through appropriate APEC channels, to improve member
economies' transport infrastructure and the capabilities of their
transport professionals.
PART II: TRANSPORT SAFETY
Key challenges and agreed priorities
41. We agree that safety continues to be a key element of efficient
transport, necessary for effective trade and the efficient movement of people
and goods. The impacts of poor transport safety reduce productivity, adversely
affect human capital and diminish user confidence.
42. We recognise that
- an estimated 1.2 million people are killed in road crashes
worldwide each year; as many as 50 million are injured, and that 85
percent of the casualties occur in low and middle income economies;
- a large proportion of these road traffic fatalities and
injuries worldwide occur in APEC economies; and
- without further action, these figures could increase by 65
per cent over the next twenty years, increasing the social and economic
burden across APEC with the costs being estimated to be in the range of 1
to 3 per cent of an economy's annual gross national product.
43. Acknowledging the work done by the World Health Organization to raise
awareness among policy makers and the public regarding the costs to society of
road traffic injuries, we urge member economies to increase their efforts in
relation to road accident prevention and reduction.
Agreed actions
44. We agree that continuing efforts to improve road traffic safety should
be a high priority for APEC economies.
45. We agree to work with other authorities in each economy to ensure that
each APEC economy has a comprehensive road safety strategy that includes
realistic but challenging fatality and injury reduction objectives, and which:
- addresses a wide range of road safety issues including road
network, traffic regulation, road user behaviour, driver training and
licensing, vehicle standards and enforcement;
- incorporates arrangements for collection of data on accidents
and trend monitoring;
- provides for progress against the targets to be monitored and
published;
- includes a mechanism for continuous improvement and updating of
the strategy; and
- explores strategies for various assistance measures for road
safety programmes and activities.
46. We welcome global good practice guides that address the key risk
factors that result in road fatalities and injuries and support use of such
guides in the development of economy road safety strategies and programmes.
47. We agree to continue to share knowledge and resources across economies
through the APEC Transportation Working Group, particularly with a view to
enabling implementation of further road safety initiatives in low and middle
income APEC economies.
48. We agree to recommend to APEC Leaders that improving road safety be a
priority for APEC and that progress be reviewed periodically.
49. Recognising that youth is over-represented in accident statistics, we
encourage participation in activities targeted specifically at road safety for
youth, for example the United Nations Global Road Safety Week, April 23-29,
2007.
50. We encourage all economies to consider measures to ensure adequate
ongoing funding for implementing road safety initiatives, including, as
appropriate, measures to provide incentives for contributions by stakeholders
such as insurance companies, vehicle manufacturers and importers and transport
operators.
51. We further encourage economies to develop strategies which reduce risks
to vulnerable road users including young people, the aged, motor cyclists,
cyclists and pedestrians.
52. We also encourage economies to develop strategies to deal with
identified problem areas such as failure to wear seatbelts or driving under
the influence of alcohol. We also encourage economies to develop strategies to
promote positive behaviours such as wearing of helmets by motorcycle and
bicycle riders.
53. We request that the Working Group develop initiatives to improve the
capacity of member economies to comply with international standards in
aviation and maritime safety and to adapt to new and better ways of operating,
including the use of new technologies.
54. We note the value of advanced approaches to safety administration in
transport, including the implementation of Safety Management Systems (SMS) in
aviation. We recognise the practical challenges in implementing SMS
effectively both in aviation and in other transport modes. We encourage
economies to assist in information sharing and capacity building initiatives
in this area.
55. We agree that good safety outcomes in aviation depend on the commitment
of industry participants and economies. To complement initiatives already
underway in ICAO, we ask the Working Group to develop a list of initiatives to
enhance aviation safety across the APEC region.
56. We encourage implementation of marine casualty investigation systems by
relevant member economies in line with work through IMO, and the subsequent
sharing of results This would assist in understanding the causes of marine
accidents as a basis for promoting better safety practices.
57. We encourage relevant member economies to undergo maritime safety
oversight audits over the next two to three years, as part of the Voluntary
IMO Member State Audit Scheme.
58. We request the Working Group to establish a register of transport
safety training capabilities in member economies to assist with capacity
building.
PART III: TRANSPORT SECURITY
Key challenges and agreed priorities
59. We agree that secure transport of passengers and freight is of
fundamental importance to trade and economic growth in the APEC region.
- The networked nature of transport systems means the strengths
and weaknesses in one member economy can have far-reaching ramifications for
other member economies.
- The APEC region has cities, transport infrastructure and trade
routes of global significance.
60. Recent global events highlight continued interest by terrorists in
transportation systems as targets as well as weapons.
61. Areas of particular emphasis within the region include:
- rail and mass transit security;
- strengthening maritime and aviation security;
- total supply chain security, including air cargo security;
- enhancing governance and regulatory frameworks to ensure
international obligations and standards are met across the APEC region; and
- strengthening arrangements for assessing and monitoring risk
and developing mitigation strategies to address security appropriately
across all modes.
62. There is a strong need to balance security actions with efficient and
effective flows of goods and people, and to harmonise security measures to
promote consistency and minimise duplication.
Agreed actions
63. We support the joint initiatives to identify best practice, share
information and assess compliance with relevant international security norms
to assist with capacity building in the area of transport security. We request
the Working Group to develop a rolling programme.
64. We request the Working Group to share experiences in the implementation
of security measures with a view to advising economies on trade facilitation
impacts, including proposals to harmonise security arrangements.
65. We welcome Canada's contribution of $350,000 (CDN) to APEC's
International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code Implementation
Assistance Program, which will support the continuing implementation of
international maritime security measures in the region. We encourage continued
progress on the evaluation phase of the APEC Secure Trade Project. This will
provide information on the costs and benefits of utilizing ITS and e-Commerce
technologies aimed at securing trade and increasing efficiency in the APEC
region.
66. We support the sharing of best practices in land transport security. We
encourage drawing on specific cooperative initiatives developed by the
International Working Group of Land Transport Security, as appropriate. We
request the Transportation Working Group to focus attention on:
- education and training initiatives for those working in land
transport operations;
- the application of new technologies to land transport security;
- improving passenger awareness; and
- risk based assessment of land transport security mitigation
arrangements.
67. We also request the Working Group to:
- undertake initiatives to improve the security of the Region's
land transport systems by completing the project entitled 'Land Transport
Security and Commuters' Advocacy Protocol' in order to improve community
response to threats to land transport;
- develop a manual of best practices for conducting maritime
security drills and exercises;
- enhance ongoing model visit programmes in relation to
compliance with the ISPS Code improving maritime security;
- continue to support the transportation related aspects of the
work on supply chain security being done within APEC. In particular develop
security strategies for intermodal cargo movements ? focusing on the
transfer points where the risk is high;
- develop a register of experts able to assist with transport
security training as a reference resource for all member economies;
- continue to assess opportunities to better use technology, with
member economies sharing expertise and experience with high and low end
technologies that can assist mitigation of security risks; and
- cooperate with ICAO to harmonise security practices concerning
the carriage of Liquids, Aerosols and Gels by air travellers.
