No. H046/02For release - May 6, 2002
OTTAWA — Transport Minister David Collenette today announced that he will attend the 3rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Transport Ministers Meeting in Lima, Peru, May 6 - 9.
"Transport Canada has been a leader in the APEC community since its establishment in 1989," said Mr. Collenette. "I'm pleased to be attending this meeting, as it will offer the opportunity to further Canada's and APEC's mutual transportation goals."
The theme of this year's Minister's Meeting, "Pathways to Prosperity," addresses the key role transportation plays in facilitating trade and contributing to sustainable development and prosperity in the APEC region. Transport Ministers from APEC member economies will discuss topics such as trade liberalization, the effects of e-commerce on transportation, as well as natural disasters, and transportation infrastructure. In the wake of the events of September 11, 2001, ministers will also focus on issues related to transportation safety and security.
APEC was established in 1989 in response to the growing interdependence among Asia-Pacific economies. Its goal is to achieve free and open trade and investment among its 21 member economies.
Transport Canada has continually played an active role in APEC activities. The department held a meeting of the APEC Transportation Working Group in Vancouver in 1995, and Mr. Collenette hosted a Ministerial Meeting in Victoria in 1997. Canada was Deputy Lead Shepherd and subsequently Lead Shepherd of the Working Group from 1997 to 2000. Under Transport Canada's leadership, the Transportation Working Group completed a major mandate review, held a Future Direction Session in Hong Kong, and improved the planning and management of the group's work programs and meetings. The department has also chaired Experts Groups in the important areas of aviation and marine safety, and currently co-chairs the Intermodal Task Force.
Mr. Collenette will be joined in Lima by representatives of the private sector who will be participating in a minister-industry symposium.
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Contact:
Anthony PolciDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister, Ottawa(613) 991-0700
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