OSCE Dushanbe conference focuses on role of transport in regional economic co-operation

DUSHANBE, 8 November 2005 - An international conference on the role of transport in boosting regional economic co-operation and security among the OSCE's 55 participating States ends today in Dushanbe.

More than 150 participants, representing governments, international and non-governmental organizations, the private industry and academia reviewed existing initiatives and activities in the area of transport, and identified gaps and niches for future OSCE involvement.

They also discussed optimizing transport links between countries and regions, improving transport policy issues, including environmental aspects.

Tajikistan's Prime Minister, Akil Akilov, said that mutual efforts of all the OSCE participating States are needed to enhance co-operation, attract investors and mobilize technical assistance in order to develop better transport links. He stressed the role of transport infrastructure in promoting economic development and overcoming difficulties faced by landlocked countries.

Ambassador Andrej Benedejcic, speaking on behalf of the Chairman-in-Office, welcomed the fact that "once again a topic was found in the economic and environmental dimension, which is of value to all the participating States". He pointed out that just like the migration-integration theme of the Slovenian OSCE Chairmanship, the transport focus bears similar potential for efficient cross-dimensional linkages and action.

Frank Geerkens, representing the incoming Belgian OSCE Chairmanship, said: "Development and growth are high priorities, but they take place through trade, and trade needs transportation that is efficient and secure. The OSCE can build bridges between policy makers - national governments and international organizations - and develop roadmaps for co-operation among them."

Bernard Snoy, the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, emphasized the role of transport in underpinning local economic development: "Local roads are vital to populations that are not able to access main transport corridors in the course of their daily trade. Transport is crucial for the integration of remote and underserved regions."

He said that "transport development was a matter of good governance".

"Effective and streamlined border crossing and customs procedures are needed to facilitate transport. The OSCE can be instrumental in promoting the implementation of existing commitments and can identify and help implement certain projects," he added.

The Dushanbe conference was jointly organized by the incoming Belgian OSCE Chairmanship and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, with support from the Tajikistan Government and the OSCE Centre in Dushanbe.

It was the first preparatory event for next year's 14th OSCE Economic Forum, "Transportation in the OSCE area: Secure transportation networks and transport development to enhance regional economic co-operation and stability".

For the first time, the Forum is to be held in two stages - on 23 and 24 January in Vienna; and from 22 to 24 May in Prague.

The second preparatory conference will take place in Baku on 16 and 17 March 2005.

For regular updates on the seminars and the preparations for the 2006 OSCE Economic Forum, please visit www.osce.org/eea