Resolution on Strengthening Transport and Logistics Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific Region
15th Annual Meeting of the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum
21-26 January 2007
Resolution on Strengthening Transport and Logistics Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific Region
APPF15/RES/19
(Sponsored by the Philippines)
THE 15TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC PARLIAMENTARY FORUM,
Recalling the Vancouver Declaration of 1997 specifically Item 2: Economy, the Resolution on Economy and Trade in the 14th Annual Meeting of the APPF (APPF-14/Res/10) and the Resolution on Strengthening Regional and Global Economic Cooperation (APPF-14/Res/09);
Recognizing that the Asia Pacific Region is experiencing increases in trade volume brought about by reduced trade barriers and developing economies;
Recognizing the efforts being undertaken by Asia Pacific countries to modernize and expand their transport and logistics facilities and capacities;
Acknowledging that the transport and logistics capabilities of the developing countries of the Asia Pacific will still need to further improve at a much faster rate to meet the expected surge of trade volume brought about by the proliferation of free trade areas (FTAs) and regional free trade areas (RTAs);
Noting that transport and logistics requirements are constantly adapting to the needs of the ever-changing global market;
Convinced of the importance of transport and logistics networks as key catalysts in economic development and international competitiveness;
Aware of the necessity of having a speedy and time definite delivery of raw materials and goods in the today’s just-in-time manufacturing process;
Underlining the importance of current efforts in coordinating the evergrowing transport and logistics networks of the Asia Pacific Region;
RESOLVES TO:
1. Render strong support in efforts that would strengthen transport and logistics cooperation among APPF countries as well as the entire Asia Pacific Region;
2. Call upon all APPF countries to enhance current agreements on transport and logistics cooperation complementing the steps taken towards economic integration in the Asia Pacific;
3. Welcome the assistance of partner countries in developing the transport and logistics infrastructure and networks in less-developed areas of the region;
4. Call on parliaments to support the regional efforts in enhancing multimodal transport linkages and interconnectivity, while promoting the safe and speedy transport of people and goods;
5. Call on governments to work towards achieving faster customs clearances and simplified customs procedures;
6. Encourage APPF countries to prioritize efforts in strengthening and enhancing transport and logistics cooperation with a view of achieving a speedy and smooth flow of goods and people in the Asia Pacific Region.
