Bandar Seri Begawan - The need for a "harmonious" land transportation in Asean was that would hasten achievements in other sectors while at the same time boost rapid development within the region was highlighted yesterday. This was noted by Director of Land Transport Department, Md Riza Dato Paduka Hj Md Yunos, during the opening ceremony of the 16th Asean Land Transport Working Group (LTWG) meeting at Orchid Garden Hotel.

He added that as each nation is strengthening their transport linkages within Asean, building strong links with dialogue partners, namely Japan, China and the Republic of Korea, is equally important.

"All throughout they have contributed significantly to their various land transportation strategies and programmes," he said.

The director stated that another area of concern was the impact of transportation on environment, in which the Asean LTWG and other regional partners have been making major efforts in minimising environmental damage contributed by the transport sector. He cited the International Energy Agency's 2003 report, which reported 24 per cent of environmental CO2 emission is contributed by the transport sector. 'As the cost of energy increases the need for energy efficiency in mitigating, environmentally hazardous emission needs to be given due focus and attention," he said.

The director also said that there is a need to have an efficient road infrastructure by using technology to improve transport mobility. "Intelligent Transport System (ITS) is one such technology and we should learn from countries that have deployed this system, and use it to our advantage," he said. Transportation is one of the key enablers of economic development, as well as key beneficiaries from the many Asean initiative that our leaders have agreed, be it in trade or investment tourism, said the director. "We are entrusted to build upon this momentum that was created by our leaders and should play our part in facilitating and effectively realise the objectives set by them," he said.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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