Focusing on transport connectivity for regional integration, this year’s International Transport Forum in Leipzig offered IRU the opportunity to make the case for advancing transport chain connectivity and decarbonisation on behalf of the road transport sector.
IRU President, Christian Labrot, and IRU Secretary General, Umberto de Pretto, both spoke at the summit, outlining IRU’s vision for the future of the transport industry.
Transport boosting regional connectivity
Speaking alongside representatives from organisations including the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), Mr Labrot highlighted how road transport will remain vital when it comes to creating regional integration and connectivity in a world where global trade flows are changing radically.
Data published on 22 May by ITF shows that while road transport volumes will triple between now and 2050, transport from and between developing nations will take up a larger share of the volume – for instance China and India will increase their current joint share from a quarter to a third in that time.
“TIR is now fully digital, making the system even more efficient and resilient"
Mr Labrot argues that the UN TIR and Harmonization Conventions represent the most effective way to ensure faster, more secure and more efficient border crossings, in turn boosting trade and development.
“TIR is now fully digital, making the system even more efficient and resilient. It’s clear that the digitalisation of freight documentation unleashes the full potential of regional economic integration and is the key to responding to ever faster changes to global economic and transport trends,” he told participants at the Forum.
Decarbonisation will require support
IRU Secretary General, Umberto de Pretto addressed Ministers at a closed meeting about the road transport industry’s ongoing efforts to decarbonise and the need for governments to create a supportive legislative and regulatory environment for operators to meet emissions targets.
“Environmental sustainability is at the heart of all road transport operations, and will play a main role in supporting transport connectivity"
The ITF research released yesterday shows that decarbonisation efforts are far more likely to work with the help of effective and supportive policies. In freight for example, the data shows technological disruption naturally occurring in the sector will decrease emissions by 44% by 2050. If accompanied by complementary policy measures however, this would increase to 60%.
“Environmental sustainability is at the heart of all road transport operations, and will play a main role in supporting transport connectivity. The road transport industry has already adopted five key pillars to pave the way to decarbonising road transport, namely boosting operational efficiency, eco-driving training, increasing the use of alternative fuels, improving fuel efficiency, and a strong collective transport system.” Mr de Pretto said.