Search Company:
IRU World Congress plenary session 1 wrap-up.
With globalisation, new trade hubs are emerging and reshaping global trade routes. This puts new pressure on regulatory convergence across the world. At the same time, worldwide transport infrastructure investment is projected to increase at an average annual rate of about 5%.
What does the constantly evolving “new world” order mean for road transport – and what does mobility mean for the new world order? How should regulators adapt to growing trade and boost efficiency? How do we enhance regional cooperation? How is vehicle technology evolving to help improve trade?
The first Plenary Session of the IRU World Congress started with the national anthem of the Sultanate of Oman, followed by a gracious welcome speech by HE Eng. Dr Ahmed Mohammed Salem Al-Futaisi, the Minister of Transport and Communications, who underlined the “Middle East is becoming a hub again – and Oman is at the centre of this”.
Christian Labrot, the IRU President, replied on behalf of all the members and attendees. Addressing the audience, he said, “You are the people that can define and shape the future of the world transport industry. The world we operate in is changing rapidly, but with challenge comes opportunity. Our goal is to set the industry on the right path to prosperity.”
Moderator, Emerging Markets Editor and Anchor for CNN, John Defterios, set the scene, outlining the theme of the Congress – “Innovation on the Move”. He explained how investment into hard infrastructure must be equalled by the soft infrastructure – the processes and systems – which will enable the transformation of transport to be effectively managed. He said, “the challenge is to take the aspirations and to match reality – and the soft infrastructure requires investment if it is to equal the pace of change that we are seeing in the 21st Century. Particularly with respect to education and training.”
Following the formal proceedings, Jose Manuel Barroso spoke about the importance of developing trade links, and removing barriers to trade – using personal insights from his unique experience. Mr Barroso has been Prime Minister of Portugal and was President of the European Commission during some very difficult years, covering the decade from 2004. He provided some very useful lessons about building effective trade relations. Read more
Source: IRU
