1 The OSCE role in fostering transport development

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The OSCE role in fostering transport development Gabriel Leonte, Economic and Environmental Adviser 4 th Expert Group Meeting on Developing Euro-Asian Transport Linkages, Thessaloniki, Greece, 21 -24 November 2006

Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe n n n OSCE is the world’s largest security organization, 56 participating States, from “Vancouver to Vladivostok” Three dimensions: politico-military, economic and environmental and human dimension of security = comprehensive security approach www. osce. org

OSCE Economic and Environmental Dimension (EED)

Main activities in the EED n Annual Economic and Environmental Forum and Preparatory Conferences n Economic Activities n Environmental Activities

Annual Economic and Environmental Forum Opening of the 14 th OSCE Economic Forum, January 2006

Annual Economic and Environmental Forum n n n The Forum is the main annual event of the OSCE Economic and Environmental Dimension Targets major issues of economic and environmental concern Reviews the implementation of OSCE participating States' commitments

14 th OSCE Economic Forum Belgian 2006 OSCE Chairmanship n Theme: “Transportation in the OSCE area: Secure transportation networks and transport development to enhance regional economic cooperation and stability”

14 th OSCE Economic Forum Belgian 2006 OSCE Chairmanship n n Preparatory Conferences (expert level): Dushanbe (November 2005) and Baku (March 2006) First and Second Part of the Economic Forum (political level): Vienna (January 2006) and Prague (May 2006)

14 th OSCE Economic Forum Belgian 2006 OSCE Chairmanship Conclusions: role for the OSCE n n Cooperation with UNECE in the area of transport Addressing the problems of Landlocked countries Promoting Transport Security Promoting Good Governance in the area of trade and transport

Follow-up to the 14 th OSCE Economic Forum 1. Cooperation with UNECE Support for TEM&TER and Euro-Asian transport links – Phase II Projects n Joint project proposals (meetings and expert assistance) have been developed and are open for funding by OSCE participating States, through voluntary contributions Joint OSCE/UNECE Pilot Project n n To monitor the effective implementation of UNECE legal instruments in the field of transportation and to enhance capacities in this respect UNECE International Convention on the Harmonization of Frontier Controls of Goods of 21 October 1982 was selected as a test case

Follow-up to the 14 th OSCE Economic Forum OSCE/UNECE Pilot Project Design of two capacity building seminars n n Aimed at capacity building and exchange of expertise and best practices in the area of border management First OSCE/UNECE seminar on the implementation of the “Harmonization Convention” was held in Moscow on 17 -18 October 2006 bringing together 58 experts from EECCA countries

Follow-up to the 14 th OSCE Economic Forum OSCE/UNECE Pilot Project (continued) n n A second seminar on the “Harmonization Convention” will take place on 14 -15 December 2006 in Belgrade Following the completion of the pilot project, OSCE and UNECE will assess the results and propose future actions

Follow-up to the 14 th OSCE Economic Forum 2. Addressing the problems of LLDC Recognizing special needs of LLDC n n n EF process highlighted the special needs of Landlocked Developing Countries Government of Tajikistan offered to host in fall 2007 a Conference on transit transport in Central Asia Proposal was supported by joint statement of Central Asian states at the Economic Forum

Follow-up to the 14 th OSCE Economic Forum Preparations n n Expert Workshop on the Specific Problems of Landlocked Countries, 12 -13 December 2006, Vienna Co-organized by OSCE and UN-OHRLLS in cooperation with relevant partner organizations such as UNECE, UNESCAP, ADB, WCO, IRU, TRACECA, IRF and others

Follow-up to the 14 th OSCE Economic Forum Preparations (continued) n n Aimed at exchanging views between experts from various IO’s and share expertise on all issues related to transit and transportation in OSCE landlocked countries (i. e. C-A) Based on the outcome of the meeting, a decision on the agenda of the conference and the way ahead will be taken

Follow-up to the 14 th OSCE Economic Forum 3. Promoting Transport Security Workshops on maritime and port security n n Belgian Chairmanship offered expertise of the Antwerp Flanders Port Training Centre/APEC to train experts in port security Norwegian government offered to host a workshop on environmental aspects of maritime security

Follow-up to the 14 th OSCE Economic Forum ILO/OSCE Workshop on Security in Ports – Antwerp, 4 -6 October 2006 n n n Organized in close cooperation with ILO, IMO, and the Port of Antwerp in Belgium Aimed at awareness raising and capacity building on ILO/IMO Code of Practice, in particular targeted at OSCE Black Sea and Caspian Sea Countries Added value through offering a platform for sharing technical expertise on security issues

Follow-up to the 14 th OSCE Economic Forum Seminar on Transport Security and Environment – Tonsberg, 16 -18 October 2006 n n n Organized in close cooperation with the Norwegian Government Aimed at experience-sharing in the area of planning multi-modal transport corridors, energy transport security and environmental protection in the case of oil spills Revealed need for strategic planning, coordination and information sharing among various actors

Follow-up to the 14 th OSCE Economic Forum Seminar on Transport Security and Environment (follow-up) n Romania offered to organize a follow-up meeting in spring 2007

Follow-up to the 14 th OSCE Economic Forum 4. Promoting good governance in the area of trade and transport Economic governance projects n OSCE Best Practice Guide for a Positive Business and Investment Climate underlines the importance of good transport infrastructure for trade and business development

Follow-up to the 14 th OSCE Economic Forum Economic governance projects (cont. ) n n n Regional capacity building workshop on the Investment Guide in Kiev, 21 -22 November 2006 EF process reconfirmed need for good public and corporate governance and highlighted importance of combating corruption (e. g. in transport infrastructure development) Here as well the OSCE has a role to play

For more detailed information on the www. osce. org/eea