D17/2002
17 September 2002
Australia Hosts International Transport Forum
Transport, technology and trade have come to the fore as key issues for the future economic and social wellbeing of the Asia-Pacific region this week as Australia hosts an international delegation of transport officials in Brisbane.
With a focus on increasing the efficiency of the region's transport system, the Commonwealth Department of Transport and Regional Services is hosting the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Transportation Working Group meeting in Brisbane between 23 and 27 September.
Head of the Australian delegation and host, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Transport and Regional Services, Peter Yuile, said that transport and technology are unquestionably linked.
"When you think transport, you think technology. Whether it is satellite navigation, air traffic control systems, city traffic management or integrated logistics - technology is crucial," Mr Yuile said.
"Transport is the life blood of trade. The economic and social goals of APEC will not be achieved without transport issues also being addressed.
"Competitive, sustainable, safe and secure transport systems are critical to facilitating trade and providing basic services within our communities."
The Transportation Working Group is a high-level government forum comprising over 200 representatives from the transport sectors of the 21 APEC member economies.
Over the last 10 years, the Working Group has had some major achievements in such areas as e-commerce and paperless trading, air services liberalisation, harmonisation of national vehicle technical regulations and human resource development.
Following the May 2002 APEC Transport Ministers Meeting in Peru, the Working Group agreed to concentrate on:
- more competitive transport systems;
- safe, secure and environmentally friendly transport; and
- human resource development.
"At this meeting and over the next two years, Australia will have a particular focus on the uptake of electronic commerce transport solutions; liberalisation of non-tariff barriers in the transport sector; and the application of intelligent transport systems, especially in regional logistics," Mr Yuile said.
"This Brisbane meeting will provide a great opportunity to advance Australia's commercial transport interest, share knowledge and research, and maintain an active working relationship with our neighbours."
Media contact: Craig Stone, Department of Transport and Regional Services (02) 6274 8013.
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