APEC officials meet to boost counter-terror

Transportation leaders in the Asia Pacific region are expected to adopt four "urgent" projects during this week’s 20th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Transportation Working Group (APEC TPT-WG) Meeting to strengthen counter-terrorism in the region.

Hosted by the Philippine government, the four-day meeting opened yesterday at the Westin Philippine Plaza in Manila. Around 300 delegates from the 22 APEC member-countries came in for the meeting.

Transportation Secretary Pantaleon Alvarez said the projects were drawn up during the meeting of the group’s Transportation Security Experts Group (TSEG) last January 7-9 in Singapore.

"Our Meeting will seriously consider these proposals and further identify possible areas of cooperation that will counter terrorism in all its forms and promote transport security," he noted.

The Philippines’ Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) deputy administrator for Operations Lamberto Pia has been the group’s lead Shepherd since last January until December next year.

TPT was established in 1991 armed to increase the efficiency and safety of the regional transportation system. It focuses on three main areas: more competitive transportation industry, safe and environment-friendly transportation systems and human resources development.

APLC intends to increase air transport security in light of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington last Sept. II. Four hi-jacked commercial airlines were used in these attacks.

According to Theodore Davies, of the Steering Committee on Sale and Environment Friendly Transportation Systems, the four "urgent" projects involve the issues on hijacking, maritime-related piracy, provision of a data base of security training and simulation exercise.