'Connecting mobility' crucial to globalization

"Connecting business" is the slogan of the third transport logistic China fair in Shanghai, which above all stands for "connecting mobility".

Globalization is increasingly characterized by the division of labor, the transport of goods and the mobility of people themselves, all of which are crucial to prosperity and employment worldwide.

Modern economies cannot function well unless they have an efficient transport system.

It is up to international transport policymakers to establish the necessary framework for a transport system that is efficient and sustainable throughout the world. In doing so, they must not lose sight of the most important challenges facing society - globalization, environmental protection, combating climate change, ensuring the supply of energy and security.

Our passenger and freight transport systems need more investment and more efficiency. We need integrated approaches if we are to achieve this.

In Germany, we have just adopted such an approach in the form of the Freight Transport and Logistics Masterplan, which we have developed together with the private sector.

In addition, we must continue to make use of state-of-the-art technologies. One example is our satellite-based tolling system. Operating since 2005, it is one of the most sophisticated toll collection systems in the world.

I am sure that the satellite and mobile communications technology deployed by German companies could also be of great interest to China.

We need international cooperation - towards more "connecting mobility". Transport logistics China provides a major platform for this. New forms of cooperation have to be learned. The international logistics market will benefit from them. Germany is willing and ready to act as a partner.

Matthias von Randow State Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs, Germany

(China Daily 06/16/2008 page14)