No. H057/10
For release - May 18, 2010
OTTAWA — The Honourable Rob Merrifield, Minister of State (Transport), today officially launched Canada’s presidency of the 2010 International Transport Forum. The Forum, to be held in Leipzig, Germany, from May 26 to May 28, will focus on the theme of Transport and Innovation: Unleashing the Potential.
“The Government of Canada is proud to preside over this international event that brings together international decision makers and stakeholders to discuss important transportation issues,” said Minister Merrifield. “Innovation in the transportation sector helps Canada achieve many of our objectives relating to the environment, the economy, safety and security, and resource efficiency.”
Participants at the Forum will discuss issues such as the impact of innovation on air transportation, green and more efficient supply chains, and the potential of wireless technologies. At plenary sessions, transportation ministers and panellists from around the world will consider the transportation system of the future and discuss how governments, researchers and the private sector can collaborate to reach that vision. Participants will have an opportunity to identify partnerships for innovation to build the transportation system of tomorrow.
The International Transport Forum brings together 52 countries and over 800 participants, including transportation ministers, experts, researchers and business leaders. It aims to find solutions to transport-related issues around the world and foster a deeper understanding of the integral role transportation plays in the world economy. The broad range of participants makes the Forum unique among multilateral organizations.
The Forum will also feature an exhibition where participating companies will be able to demonstrate their expertise to an international audience.
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