OSCE supports dialogue on transport-related challenges at concluding session of 18th OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum

PRAGUE, 24 May 2010 - Promoting good governance at border crossings, improving the security of land transportation and facilitating international transport by road and rail in the OSCE region is the focus of the second and concluding part of the 18th OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum, which opened today in Prague.

The three-day meeting brings together high-level representatives from the governments of OSCE participating States, international organizations, civil society, academia and the private sector.

"We need transport in order to transfer goods and people, and to organize trade. Enhancing the efficiency and security of transport is thus of paramount importance for the development of the economy," said Ambassador Kairat Abdrakhmanov, Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to the OSCE and Chairperson of the OSCE Permanent Council, in the opening address.

Forum participants will discuss topics including international legal instruments and new technologies for efficient border crossing and customs procedures, good governance and anti corruption, the transit needs of landlocked developing countries, public-private partnerships in road transport and best practices in combating illegal trafficking. A free exchange of opinions on these questions aims to enhance cross-border partnership and facilitate economic development and security in the OSCE region.

"All these challenges need to be tackled from a holistic point of view, understanding that an efficient, secure, and environmentally friendly transport system is essential to strengthening regional co-operation, fostering economic development and safeguarding regional stability," said OSCE Secretary General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut.

"The global financial and economic crisis has struck many of our countries. The crisis has also had a major negative impact on the transport sector which provides oxygen to trade and thus stimulates economic recovery," said Goran Svilanovic, the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities.

"That is why the choice of the theme for this year's Economic and Environmental Forum has been timely. Maximizing our region's potential and creating more efficient and secure border crossings along Euro-Asian transport routes mostly depend on the countries' capacity and willingness to become effective parts of the integrated supply chain. It is here that the OSCE is well placed to contribute, by raising awareness and providing capacity-building."

The Prague meeting follows the first part of the Forum, which took place on 1 and 2 February in Vienna. Preparatory conferences were held in Astana in October 2009 and in Minsk in March 2010.

Security and the environmental and economic aspects of transport facilitation is a priority of Kazakhstan's 2010 Chairmanship.