Transport Logistics

v) Need for co-operation and collaboration

It is clear that the task of establishing efficient global logistics networks with minimal

environmental impact cannot be accomplished by one corporation or one government. For example,

when considering environmental burdens, total emissions generated by the supply chain should be

taken into account. The environmental improvement achieved in one country by transferring some

operations elsewhere might result in transferring pollution and environmental degradation to another

country.

Optimising at a higher level of organisation, co-ordination and technology is a prerequisite for

logistics in general and intermodal transport in particular. This higher level of organisation will not

always be established by itself in a free market.

Therefore, building efficient and environmentally friendly logistics systems requires extensive

co-operation and collaboration among private corporations, governments and international

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organisations in many different areas. In particular, it is extremely important to find a balanced way of

completing the task so that the resulting hardware facilities and information structures and systems

help developing countries realise sustainable economic and social development while they benefit

developed countries by providing a better foundation for global competition.

Studies underway through APEC seek to improve and increase awareness of intermodalism in the

Asia-Pacific region. For example, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong (China) could provide insight on

how to improve and enhance policies aimed at the promotion of integrated intermodal systems in the

region.