Transport safety, security still APEC priority

CEBU, Philippines - Enhancement of the safety and security of transportation networks in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation region will remain a top priority of the Transportation Working Group (TPWG) of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

In a joint statement, transportation ministers of 21 APEC member-economies instructed the TPWG to continue its collaboration with international organizations and public and private sectors from all modes of transportation to address gaps or needs in safety and security.

 Ministers noted that safety and security are the fundamental elements in a viable transportation system, which can facilitate the effective movement of passengers and goods.

“We stress that adhering to recognized international safety and security measures for all modes of transport standards is a priority. These standards must be complementary and aligned to ensure safety and security objectives are pursued in the most efficient way, and without compromise on facilitation to movement of passengers and goods,” reads part of the APEC Transportation Ministerial Meeting joint statement.

Specifically, the transportation ministers asked the member-economies to ensure that their respective aviation and maritime safety frameworks comply with the safety management Standards and Recommended Practices set by International Civil Aviation Organization, a United Nation specialized agency.

 “We note the ICAO direction on the need for Civil Aviation Authorities to ensure fully qualified and trained inspectors with conditions of service and remuneration consistent with their education, technical knowledge and experience, and comparable to those personnel of the entities they regulate,” the ministers said.

 “Economies are encouraged to utilize the latest transportation security technology and give a high priority to providing comprehensive training to transportation security personnel,” they added.

Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya of the Department of Transportation and Communication recognized the importance of private sector since it can utilize technology and “innovate in ways that governments cannot,” as well as generate and get access to information and data “that governments may not always have ready access to.”

“I propose that we explore ways to share this valuable resource, data or information, and help us design policy and infrastructure in ways that make it more inclusive, resilient and sustainable for consumers—be they passengers or shippers of freight and cargo,” he said in his opening statement during the second day of the 9th Asia Pacific Economic Conference Transportation Ministerial Meeting at the Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort and Spa.

“This relationship provides both of us some real benefits: data for policy formulation and adjustments to the regulatory framework, which can lead to a policy environment that makes the transport sector more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient across all goals,” Abaya added. —/JMO (FREEMAN)