MINSK, 23 February (BelTA) – Belarus' Transport and Communications Minister Aleksei Avramenko spoke at the ministerial meeting of the UNECE Inland Transport Committee, BelTA learned from the press service of the ministry.
The meeting focused on ensuring transport connectivity between countries and facilitating the development of sustainable mobility. In his speech, the minister said that the committee plays a strategic role in providing a comprehensive platform for developing coordinated solutions and creating an effective international transport infrastructure.
The norms and standards valid in the Belarusian transport sector go in sync with the UN agreements and conventions. This made it possible, taking into account global experience, to lay the foundation for improving the efficiency, safety and environmental friendliness of transport operations.
"Great attention is paid in the country to environmental protection. In recent decades, the country has significantly renewed the fleet of vehicles of high ecological classes, increased the number of electrically-powered vehicles for passenger and freight transportation. Electrification of the railroad is underway. Those efforts helped us create an open transport system that works steadily within the country and is attractive to foreign partners,” said Aleksei Avramenko.
However, transport, like other sectors of the economy, has had to change its model of operation due to the pandemic and the impact of external challenges in order to carry freight internationally without interruption.
The minister also added that freedom of transit and unhindered border crossing are necessary components for improving international transport connectivity between countries. “These conditions must be guaranteed not only through the introduction of relevant provisions in conventions and other multilateral international agreements, but also through real compliance with the agreements and commitments made,” he said.
According to Aleksei Avramenko, Belarus is confident that the committee's work will contribute to the emergence of new ideas to improve transport processes aimed at creating an efficient and environmentally friendly transport system.
In conclusion, the minister extended greetings to the participants of the meeting on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the UNECE Inland Transport Committee and wished fruitful work for the transport sector.
