Summer 1997

Asia Pacific Transport Ministers In Victoria... In June, Transport Minister David M. Collenette welcomed Transportation Ministers and Heads of Delegation from 16 Asia Pacific economies to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Transportation Ministerial meeting in Victoria. Over 450 industry and government delegates also sat in on the four-day meeting. Talks focused on safe and environment-friendly transportation systems, facilitating trade, creating a more competitive operating environment for transportation, infrastructure development, human resources development and new transportation technologies. A Joint Ministerial Statement was released following the Ministerial Meeting setting out the priorities for future action. For a copy of the statement or more information contact: George Tyszewicz, Senior Policy Advisor, (604) 666-0480.

How Important is the Asia Pacific... The Asia Pacific economies are growing twice as fast as any other region of the world... Canadian direct investment in Asia has grown by 142 per cent, from nearly $5 billion in 1990 to almost $12 billion in 1995. Conversely, Asian direct investment in Canada grew by 47 percent, from $7.5 billion in 1990 to $11 billion in 1995... Unfortunately, the value of B.C. exports to Asian economies fell by 11.2 per cent in 1996, compared to 1995.

Who's the Closest... The ports of Prince Rupert and Vancouver are the nearest North American ports to the Asia Pacific region... Naturally, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has the same advantage. How much of an advantage? YVR is two hours closer to Hong Kong than any other major North American airport.

Where will People be Flying... By the year 2010, half of the world's projected flights will be destined for the Asia Pacific region. Futurist John Naisbitt says, " There's no end to the growth of the business of air travel, particularly with the explosion of the middle class in Asia fueling the boom."

Boosting Shipping... Canada and China recently signed an agreement in Vancouver on maritime transport. This is Canada's first bilateral maritime agreement and gives Canada "most favoured nation" status. The Chinese Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO) ranks among the world's top five container lines and is one of the Port of Vancouver's major customers. With the bilateral agreement in place, the Vancouver Port Corporation hopes to expand its COSCO business significantly, possibly by as much as 50 per cent, adding millions of dollars in revenue to the Canadian transportation industry.

DeltaPort Opens... The Port of Vancouver's new $224 million container facility, Deltaport, opened officially on June 25, 1997. When added to existing facilities, Centerm and Vanterm, Deltaport doubles the Port's container capacity to more than one million TEUs (20-foot equivalent unit) per year. Deltaport is an on-dock intermodal facility with a capacity for two double-stacked trains and direct access to the only two transcontinental railway lines in North America, Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Railway.

Corridor Corporation Formed to Boost Northern Transportation... The Northwest Transportation Corridor Task Force's final report contained 78 recommendations on increasing the economic viability and competitiveness of the northwest transportation corridor. The key recommendation was to establish a self-sustaining, independent council. In April the Council held its first meeting and subsequently the members agreed to establish the Northwest Transportation Development Corporation to take on the role of the Council. Keith Manifold, West Fraser Mills Ltd., was appointed interim Chairperson.

Stamping Out Substandard Ships... Under Canada's port state control program, Transport Canada ship inspectors board and inspect foreign vessels at Canadian ports. In the first quarter of 1997, 212 foreign vessels were inspected and 21 ships were detained because they were in poor condition. Inspectors in Vancouver detained 14 of those substandard ships. Before being allowed to leave port, the vessels must rectify their deficiencies... In 1996, 1,185 ships were inspected and 118 were detained - 39 were detained in Vancouver. TC aims to inspect 25 per cent of foreign ships calling at Canada's ports. For info: Bill Nash, Regional Director Marine Safety, (604) 666-5470.

Ports Transferring... The Port of Fort St. James, on Stuart Lake, is being transferred from Transport Canada to the District of Fort St. James this month. Fort St. James is the second port facility (Thulin Passage was the first) in B.C. to be transferred to local interests. There are 67 ports in B.C. set to be transferred to community interests. So far, 10 letters of intent to transfer a total of 55 ports have been signed with representatives from the provincial government, regional districts, municipalities and First Nations. For more info call: Loretta Bemister, Regional Manager Harbours and Ports, (604) 666-2607.

Airports Transferring... Over the last six months Cranbrook, Prince Rupert, Quesnel and Victoria airports all have been transferred from Transport Canada to local control. That brings the total to 16 B.C. airports transferred since 1995. Letters of intent to transfer have been signed with nine more communities to take over the airports in their area. For more info contact: Larry LeGros, Regional Director Airports, (604) 666-2387.

Reviewing Transport Canada... The Pacific Region's 1996/97 Annual Review has hit the streets. If you'd like a copy call: Ann Edwards, Executive Assistant, (604) 666-5849.

Transport Trends is published by Transport Canada's Pacific Region to keep our clients and stakeholders up-to-date on transportation activities and trends in British Columbia. Questions or suggestions please phone (604) 666-1675, fax (604) 666-7255.

TP 12780E