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Over 230 delegates from 19 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies and organisations, including the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), APEC Port Services Network (APSN), International Air Transport Association (IATA), International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI) attended the 40th APEC Transportation Working Group Meeting (TPTWG-40) in Hong Kong from August 18 to 22. Delegates discussed a wide range of issues covering the safety, security, resilience and sustainability of transportation systems in the Asia-Pacific region.
"Efficient and reliable transportation is needed to propel and sustain growth, and transportation is all about location and connectivity," the Acting Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Yau Shing-mu, said at the opening plenary on Tuesday (August 19).
He also shared with delegates the initiatives which reaffirm Hong Kong's commitment to improving transportation systems to enhance the flow of goods, people, services and capital in the APEC region as directed by Ministers at the 8th Transportation Ministerial Meeting held in Tokyo, Japan, last year.
At the meeting, member economies undertook to continue their efforts in contributing towards closer economic integration and greater co-operation in connectivity and infrastructural growth in the region. Delegates also committed to promoting gender awareness and facilitating the growth and development of women in transportation.
At the closing plenary today (August 22), Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport), Mr Joseph YT Lai, congratulated the successful conclusion of TPTWG-40 and noted that member economies would join to harmonise regulations where possible, to reduce practical barriers to efficient movement of passengers and freight, and to promote effective supply chains.
Four technical tours to the Hong Kong International Airport, Hongkong International Terminals Limited, MTR Corporation Limited and Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal were arranged for delegates to understand the world-class facilities of Hong Kong in the aviation, maritime, land transport and logistics sectors.
Established in 1991, the TPTWG usually meets biannually to work towards trade liberalisation and facilitation in the transport sector, economic and technical assistance, and capacity building. Key goals for the Working Group include the development of transportation systems to ensure safe, secure, and efficient movement of people and goods throughout the region; and to provide assistance with capacity building in developing economies to contribute to efficient, safe, secure and sustainable transport in the APEC region. APEC has 21 member economies; the full list is available at www.apec.org/About-Us/About-APEC/Member-Economies.aspx.
Ends/Friday, August 22, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:12
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