Philippines promotes innovation in APEC transport system

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is promoting innovation in transport systems in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to address challenges in the sector.

Speaking at the 9th APEC Transportation Ministerial Meeting yesterday, Transport Secretary Joseph Abaya said there are gains in encouraging innovation in transport systems in the region.

He said encouraging innovation in transport systems is seen to “address the evolving challenges encountered by the transport sector and to further improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the sector’s operations.”

As such, the APEC’s transport ministers would have to look into innovations affecting the sector such as big data applications and intelligent transportation systems.

Aside from encouraging innovations in the transport sector, Abaya said there is also a need to promote inclusive mobility in the region.

Advancing inclusive mobility means addressing the transportation requirements of all, particularly the vulnerable sectors of society such as the persons with disability, women, children and the elderly.

To advance inclusive mobility, the Philippines is proposing a framework that would promote cost-effective modes of transport including biking and walking, in the APEC.

“Improving mobility translates to increased productivity, which helps accelerate economic progress. Inclusive mobility would mean that everyone’s needs are incorporated in the transport plans, programs, activities and projects of their economies and of the region,” Abaya said.

The 9th APEC Transportation Ministerial Meeting is focused on the theme of Driving Economic Growth Through Inclusive Mobility and Sustainable Transport Systems.

The theme is in line with APEC 2015’s overall theme of Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World.