Ensuring aviation security is vital for economic growth and is a key part of regional co-operation efforts in the Asia Pacific region, speakers said at a workshop in HCM City yesterday, April 19.

Speaking at the third Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Air Cargo Security Workshop, Nguyen Ngoc Son, Viet Nam's Assistant to the Foreign Minister, said, "Aviation and cargo security has become one of the most important cooperation activities in APEC for many years.

"Trade safety and supply chain security are considered most important factors in implementing the growth strategy devised by APEC leaders," he said.

"There is strong potential among APEC members to promote cooperation in aviation security. It is very important as it contributes to economic development," said Muhamad Noor Yacob, APEC Executive Director.

Around 100 delegates from 21 APEC members, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), International Air Transport Association (IATA), World Customs Organisation (WCO) and regional airline companies discussed implementation of air cargo security programmes, introduction of new technologies and initiatives to increase cooperation within APEC and between APEC and other international organisations.

The workshop, which ends today, will follow up on earlier events held in Thailand (2008) and Singapore (2010) and review all new issues regarding air cargo security.

Speakers noted yesterday that the Asia-Pacific region is currently the engine of the world economy's recovery and that its growth in volume of passengers and cargo transportation is the highest in the world.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that nearly half of global cargo transportation by air takes place in the region.

The regional air cargo sector has generated 32 million jobs and for the next 20 years, the region will account for one-third of the total volume of passengers and two-thirds of freight traffic in the world.

Source: VNS