APEC calls for safe, sustainable transportation

Transportation ministers from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies pledged here Wednesday to continue working toward a safe, secure, seamless and sustainable transportation system. At the seventh APEC Transportation Ministerial Meeting, the ministers noted that transportation has been instrumental in the region's recovery following the recent economic and financial crisis, and has also been crucial to being well prepared for and responding quickly to natural disasters. Highlighting the importance of learning from past experiences, a joint ministerial statement was issued at the end of the meeting, calling for promoting green growth and innovation in transportation, enhancing regulatory cooperation, and strengthening regional economic integration. The ministers pledged to give priority to developing and promoting fuel-efficient transport practices, including the use of alternative fuels and the development of energy-efficient transport infrastructure. They also vowed to enhance efforts to align domestic standards with international standards and recommend protocols of the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime Organization regarding security, safety and the environment. China's Transport Minister Li Shenglin said at the meeting that transportation is one of China's key sectors for saving energy and reducing emissions. Li said that China will roll out pilot projects for a low-carbon transport system featuring public transportation methods.