No. H083/11
For release - September 15, 2011
Photo(s)
OTTAWA — The Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport), today announced the outcomes of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Transportation Ministers' Meeting held on September 14, 2011, in San Francisco, California.
"The APEC meeting provided an excellent opportunity to engage ministers and senior officials from 21 Asia-Pacific economies," said Minister Fletcher. "My APEC colleagues and I are committed to working together to achieve important transportation objectives such as sharing best practices on disaster preparedness; enhancing regulatory cooperation; and strengthening regional economic integration and expanding trade."
APEC transportation ministers stressed the importance of the region as a driving force for global economic growth and prosperity. The ministers have recognized that, to be successful in the field of global commerce, they need to address growing capacity constraints on their infrastructures, encourage multimodal integration and enhance the efficiency of transportation systems that support international trade. Minister Fletcher shared Canada's experience of what can be achieved when key stakeholders come together to collaborate on strategic approaches to improving transportation systems.
"Our government has recognized the opportunities that growth in the Asia-Pacific region has provided for our economic prosperity," said Minister Fletcher. "Our investments in the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative have given Canada a competitive advantage in international trade and economic growth."
Safety and security concerns were also top of the agenda, particularly in the context of ensuring rapid and effective responses to natural disasters in order to ensure the quick resumption of transportation services. In his remarks, Minister Fletcher showcased Canada as a global leader in implementing stringent aviation security measures in order to tackle challenges head-on.
Minister Fletcher took the opportunity of the APEC meeting to meet with counterparts from across the region, including U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray Lahood; China's Minister of Transportation Li Shenglin; and Japan's Senior Vice-Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Jin Matsubara. He also met with Australia's ambassador to the United States, and former Minister of Transport and Communications, Kim Beazley.
APEC's primary goal is to support economic growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region by championing free and open trade and investment, promoting and accelerating regional economic integration, encouraging economic and technical cooperation and facilitating a favourable business environment.
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