Skip to main content

Ministers at ITF agree transport investment is crucial for growth

Ministers from the 54 member countries of the International Transport Forum are calling for more investment in strategic transport infrastructure and services. “Funding transport is a major challenge for transport policy today. The demand for mobility through high-quality transport networks and services is growing fast”, the ministers stated in a joint Declaration on Funding Transport agreed today during their 2013 Summit in Leipzig, Germany. “Transport infrastructure is much more than asphalt, concrete or
May 23, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
Ministers from the 54 member countries of the 1102 International Transport Forum are calling for more investment in strategic transport infrastructure and services. “Funding transport is a major challenge for transport policy today. The demand for mobility through high-quality transport networks and services is growing fast”, the ministers stated in a joint Declaration on Funding Transport agreed today during their 2013 Summit in Leipzig, Germany.

“Transport infrastructure is much more than asphalt, concrete or steel; it is the backbone of national economies, providing connections for people and goods, access to jobs and services, and enabling trade and economic growth”, they said. “With investment in transport infrastructure a long-term venture, robust, credible funding solutions that support trade, economic growth and environmental and social sustainability are urgently needed. With both public budgets and private sector resources under constraint, government authorities and industry must together seek new ways of ensuring stable, long-term funding for the sector.”

This comes shortly after the UK Government was advised by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to invest heavily in infrastructure so as to improve long term financial stability. The IMF suggested borrowing up to US$13.57 billion (£9 billion) to invest in much needed infrastructure projects, so as to provide jobs and business and deliver a lifeline for economic growth.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • ITF Summit 2016 Awards to recognise outstanding achievements
    March 7, 2016
    Transport operators, manufacturers and researchers will be honoured at the International Transport Forum Awards in the presence of transport ministers from around the world at the ITF’s Annual Summit on 18-20 May in Leipzig, Germany. The ITF will award prizes in three categories: Transport Achievement Award: Recognises a demonstrated achievement of excellence in transport provision.
  • We need better connected transport, says OECD
    May 4, 2012
    Better connected transport will drive economic growth and better protect the environment, according to the Transport Outlook 2012 report on mobility trends produced by the International Transport Forum at the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development). The new influential report was launched by OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría during the Annual Summit of Transport Ministers held in Leipzig, Germany. “Transport and technology form the backbone of global trade,” said Gurría at the summ
  • Morocco’s minister for Equipment and Transport discusses the IRF Marrakech conference
    April 3, 2013
    The magic of Morocco will form an idyllic backdrop for one of the landmark events on this year’s IRF calendar: the major regional conference focusing on North Africa & the Mediterranean which is being hosted in Marrakech on 19-20 March. Abdelaziz Rabbah, the Moroccan minister of Equipment & Transport will set the tone by welcoming delegates to a special high-level segment, which will open the event in the presence of dignitaries and senior officials drawn from throughout the region. This will include keynot
  • Investing in East Africa's road sector to boost economic development
    April 14, 2020
    Investments in East Africa’s road sector are helping drive economic development as well as political stability