SHEPHERDS/HODs/SCCs MEETINGS
TPT-WG 15^TH

April 19 and 21, 1999

SANTIAGO, CHILE

Record of Decisions

Monday, October, 19^th, 1999

Item 1. Welcoming Remarks

On behalf of the Republic of Chile, the Host Economy, Mr. Germ醤 King, Head, APEC Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, extended a warm welcome to all delegations and thanked them for their support and assistance throughout the preparatory work leading to the 15^th TPT-WG Meeting.

Eric Petri, Coordinator of International Affairs, Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications, Chile, briefly reviewed the program, reminidng participants of the need for all project overseers and Steering Committee Coordinators to submit to the meeting secretariat an electronic version of all papers and documents. A CD-ROM containing all meeting documents will be given to all HODs at the close of the meeting.

Item 2. Opening Remarks

Opening remarks were given by both the Lead and Deputy Lead Shepherds.

The Lead Shepherd, on behalf of all economies, expressed his most sincere appreciation for the excellent work done by Chile in preparing for this meeting. He then welcomed Mr. Jos?Barojas, Program Director, APEC Secretariat, and thanked him for his assistance throughout the period leading to this TPT-WG meeting. He went on to note with satisfaction the participation of representatives from Peru, Russia and Viet Nam in the meeting of the Port Experts Group and extended to them a very special and warm welcome expressing the wish that they would find their participation in this meeting both rewarding and beneficial. He thanked Australia for its diligent work as the Working Group磗 "web master", and called for the cooperation of all economies in the maintenance and development of the Internet site. The Lead Shepherd also extended a warm welcome to new HODs from China, Indonesia, Korea, Peru and Thailand.

The Lead Shepherd concluded his remarks by indicating what he envisaged as the meeting’s main outcomes, namely:

• An approval of the Mandate Review Document for submission to the APEC Secretariat;

• a review of the process to be followed in submitting evaluation and progress reports to the APEC Secretariat for TPTWG projects;

• a plan for incorporating the business/private sector, particularly ABAC, into the activities of the Working Group;

• a plan for implementing other aspects of the Guidance for Strengthening the Management of ECOTECH Activities;

• a decision regarding the development of a strategic discussion paper outlining the future directions and activities of the Working Group; and

• a decision regarding where and when the Third Transportation Ministerial Meeting will be held.

The Deputy Lead Shepherd briefed the Working Group on the key outcomes of SOM I. He informed the Working Group of what he considered to be two key messages arising from the SOM I and Joint Fora meetings, namely:

1. The importance of improving communications between working groups, and the related need to develop informal networks for the exchange of ideas on matters of common interest; and

2. The need for working groups to be "demand-driven" and to initiate projects that meet the objectives of both the public and private sectors.

 Item 3. Approval of Agenda

 The Draft Agenda (TPT-WG15/HOD/3 and TPT-WG 15/HOD/3 (final)) was approved with the following amendments:

1. Add item 5.2, "Multi-Phase Projects";

2. add item 10.1, "Review of Requests from ESCAP and ECLAC to attend TPT-WG meetings". (TPT-WG 15/HOD/3); and

3. add item 10.2, "E-Commerce Seminar".

The Lead Shepherd noted that an Annotated Agenda was also available (TPT-WG 15/HOD 3 (a)).

 Item 4. Report from the Program Director

 Mr. Jos?Barojas, Program Director, APEC Secretariat, provided a detailed report (TPT-WG 15/HOD/4) on recent developments within APEC with an emphasis on the outcomes of the APEC Leaders’ Meeting; SOM I and the Joint Fora meetings held in Wellington, New Zealand; and the March 1999 BMC meeting.

Mr. Barojas underlined the Leaders’ four priority areas for 1999 ( human resources development, including skills development, technology upgrading, infrastructure improvements and wider outreach to SMEs. Worth noting as well is the reference in the Action Program on Skills Development to a "market-driven approach to skills training" and the need to involve the business sector through "smart partnership" between the private and public sectors.

Mr. Barojas’ report also put emphasis on the Leaders’ and Ministers’ statements regarding the broadening of APEC’s outreach to the business/private sector and referred to the specific guidelines to that effect.

Also of interest to the TPT-WG was Mr. Barojas’ remarks regarding the outcomes of the March 23-24 BMC meeting, particularly with respect to the Port Data Base Project. This TPT-WG project was officially approved even if we will need to wait until May 31^st to find out if funds will be made available.

Mr. Barojas referred to the APEC Fora’s "self-reviews" and recalled the requirement to have them sent to the APEC Secretariat no later than May 31^st, 1999.

Finally, TPT-WG was reminded of the BMC’s new requirements with regard to project progress report and evaluation.

In the ensuing discussion, clarification was sought concerning the ability to transfer approved funds from one project to another, and the limits within which funds dispersed for specific projects must be spent. Mr. Barojas reminded the meeting that funds could not be transferred from one project to another and BMC approval is required for any extension of time limitations on the disbursement of funds.

The U.S. requested that the attachement to Mr. Barojas' report, entitled "TPT Working Group 1997 to 1999 Projects", be amended as follows: That the project entitled "Development/Publication of Best Practices Manual" include reference to the Urban Transportation Forum.

Mr. Barojas pointed out that the TPT-WG did not include in its work program a project specifically aimed at SMEs and indicated that this point should be taken into consideration when approving new projects.

The Deputy Lead Shepherd reminded the Working Group that the BMC will monitor existing projects in a more proactive fashion and that sanctions could be applied in cases where there are deficiencies in project management and reporting. Australia expressed concern about the apparent bureaucracy and reporting pressure emanating from the APEC Secretariat, and the lack of feed-back on submitted reports.

The Lead Shepherd thanked the Program Director for his informative report, noting that item 6 will allow for a full discussion on most, if not all, of the salient points that had been raised.

Item 5. Management Issues

 5.1 Evaluation and Reporting Systems for APEC Projects

The Deputy Lead Shepherd introduced this item by referring to a document which was circulated to HODs by the Deputy Lead Shepherd prior the meeting, entitled "TPT-WG Issues - Project Approval and Programme Evaluation" (TPT-WG 15/HOD 5.1).

The Lead Shepherd thanked all project overseers and Steering Committee Coordinators for having prepared the required progress and evaluation reports. He also mentioned that feedback from the APEC Secretariat would come later in the summer and would be circulated to all HODs for information.

The Lead Shepherd informed the Working Group that, partially the deadline for submitting report to the Secretariat had been moved forward by several months, the process envisaged at TPT-WG 14 was not fully complied with, and that, as a result, the quality of reporting may have suffered. He then invited the Deputy Lead Shepherd to provide some comments on the issue.

The Deputy Lead Shepherd underlined that this is an important issue, given that progress and evaluation reports relect the Working Group磗 activities and the value of its contribution to APEC磗 broad objectives. Therefore, there is a need to strive for high quality in reporting and to put in place a objective and independent review process within the Working Group.

Referring to a document distributed prior to the meeting, he pointed out that there were two questions to be addressed:

1. Should the "small group " monitor both evaluation and progress reports?
2. Should the TPT-WG entirely delegate responsibility for handling these reports to the small group?

5.2 Multi-phased Projects

Item 6. Joint Fora Meeting: Follow Up Actions

The Meeting considered a letter from Mr. Timothy Hannah, Executive Director, APEC Secretariat, (TPT-WG 15/HOD/6) which summarized a number of outcomes of the February 1999 SOM I and Joint Fora meetings having implications for the TPT-WG. The following topics were presented and discussed:

6.1 Developing Human Capital

The Lead Shepherd noted that items 6.1 and 6.2 related to the ECOTECH Subcommittee’s decision to increase horizontal coordination of ECOTECH activities within APEC. Lead Shepherds of all APEC fora were asked to submit comments on the proposed outline of the paper, and the TPT-WG provided input on the basis of comments provided by Australia.

The paper on Developing Human Capital represents exactly that kind of coordinating effort and will cover four main areas:

1. current status of activities in developing human capital;
2. strengths of existing projects;
3. gaps or areas for improvements; and
4. suggestions for better coordination.

It is understood that the paper will be considered at the May 1999 SOM II meeting. The Lead Shepherd will endeavor to keep the TPT-WG abreast of future developments.

6.2 Harnessing New Technologies

China was similarly tasked by the ECOTECH Subcommittee to prepare a coordination document on the subject of "Harnessing New Technologies". The Lead Shepherd was asked to provide input by China. Comments were submitted to the Ministry of Science and Technology on March 18, 1999, based largely on input from Australia. A first draft of the coordination document (TPT-WG 15/HOD/6.2) was circulated at the meeting for information and economies were asked to submit comments directly to the Lead Shepherd.

The final draft of this paper will be considered at the SOM II meeting and specific outcomes and required follow up actions will be reported to HODs in due course.

6.3 Guidance for Strengthening the Management of ECOTECH Activities

The Lead Shepherd referred to Ambassador Timothy Hannah’s letter of March 10, 1999 and underlined the emphasis that the APEC Secretariat is placing on the need for APEC Fora to implement the 1998 Guidance on Strengthening the Management of ECOTECH Activities (TPT-WG 15/HOD/6.3). Of particular importance is the need for all APEC Fora "to include in their regular reports to SOM, coverage of the steps taken to implement the ECOTECH Guidance".

The Lead Shepherd stressed that the APEC Secretariat and the BMC will more intensely scrutinize the work of all fora in future. Thus, the TPT-WG will have to apply a more rigorous approach at all stages of project development, implementation and review.

6.4 TPT-WG Report on TILF Activities

The Lead Shepherd tabled a letter he sent to the APEC Secretariat along with an update of information on TPT-WG’s TILF Deliverables for 1999 and a review of CAP implementation by the TPT-WG since 1996 (TPT-WG 15/HOD/6.4). TILF deliverables were expected in 1999 in the following areas:

• Road Transport Harmonization Project
• Maritime Initiative
• Air Services Group
• Safer Shipping in the Asia-Pacific Region
• Electronic Commerce

6.5 Ad Hoc Task Force on Women

The Lead Shepherd briefly described an initiative underway as a result of the Leaders’ directive to establish an Ad Hoc Task force on the Integration of Women in APEC, and the "Framework" which is currently being developed for approval at SOM III. The TPT-WG Steering Committee on Human Resources Development has the matter on its meeting agenda for consideration.

6.6 Response to ABAC Recommendations

All APEC Fora were requested by the APEC Executive Director

(March 10 letter), to report on actions taken to address ABAC Recommendations. The Lead Shepherd referred to his response of April 14 to Mr. Tom Engle of the APEC Secretariat (TPT-WG 15/HOD/6.6) and agreed to submit further comments related to Electronic Commerce on the basis of input that will be provided by Australia.

6.7 Involvement of Business/Private Sector

The Lead Shepherd, in introducing this item, mentioned this was a matter of considerable importance for APEC and underlined some of the key messages included in Ambassador Hannah’s letter of March 8, 1999 (TPT-WG15/HOD/6.7) on this topic, namely that:

• Leaders have taken decisions to expand business/private sector involvement in the APEC process;
• SOM has approved Guidelines to facilitate attendance by business/private sector representatives at the meetings of most APEC working-level fora;
• These Guidelines apply to APEC Working Groups;
• Outreach through electronic means is an important aspect.

The Lead Shepherd thanked Indonesia, Chinese Taipei and New Zealand for having sent comments on the information note that had been circulated in advance of the meeting.

Following discussion, it was agreed that...

Item 7. Mandate Review

The TPT-WG, like most other APEC Fora, was requested to undertake a self review for submission to the APEC Secretariat by the end of May 1999. The matter was first brought up at TPT-WG 14 where it had been agreed that the Lead Shepherd, in consultation with the Deputy Lead Shepherd, the Steering Committee Coordinators and all HODs, would endeavor to prepare and circulate drafts of a Mandate Review paper for the TPT-WG and bring forward to TPT-WG 15 a final draft paper for consideration for final approval (TPT-WG 15/HOD/7). This process has taken place during the past few months and the Lead Shepherd expressed his thanks to all those economies which had submitted comments.

At this stage it was assumed that the meeting did not need to concern itself with minor editorial comments which should be forwarded as soon as possible to the Lead Shepherd, but rather focus on any substantive comments that economies might have with regard with the present version of the document.

No comments were provided and the document was deemed to be approved, subject to further monor editorial alterations.

As a point of information, Mr. Barojas indicated that all mandate review papers will be consolidated by the APEC Secretariat before being provided to all BMC members for consideration by SOM.

Item 8.1 Strategic Discussion Paper

An information note (TPT-WG 15/HOD/8.1) was circulated to HODs in advance of the meeting in an attempt to circumscribe the issue and facilitate the discussion on whether or not the TPT-WG should launch such an undertaking and, if so, how the work should be conducted.

The Lead Shepherd recapitulated the main aspects of the issue and invited comments.

8.2 Third Ministerial Meeting

At TPT-WG 14 the idea of a possible Third Ministerial Meeting was briefly mentioned and economies were generally receptive. If there is still consensus, there is a need to address the issue of the timing of such a meeting and its venue.

Following general discussion, it was agreed that the issue of the timing and venue of the next Ministerial Meeting will need to be further discussed at TPT-WG 16.

Item 9. Review of Agenda for Plenary

The agenda for the Plenary was amended, as follows:

1. Item 4, "Report by the Program Director", was deleted, and the following items were renumerated, as appropriate; and
2. the issue of "management of the TPT-WG web site" will be discussed under the new Item 4, "TPT Management Matters".

10.1 Requests from ECLAC and ESCAP to attend TPT-WG 16

The Lead Shepherd informed the meeting that requests had been received from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific (ESCAP).

ECLAC had expressed interest in participating in TPT-WG 15. ESCAP asked to participate in TPT-WG 16, to get acquainted with the TPT-WG's activities and to provide briefings on its own work program.

Following discussion, the meeting noted the reservations expressed by Japan and China and decided to not allow ECLAC磗 representation at TPT-WG 15. Furthermore, it was agreed that the Lead Shepherd will contact ESCAP and seek clarification as to the exact nature of their possible participation at TPT-WG 16.

10.2 Electronic Commerce Seminar

Australia expressed appreciation to the Lead Shepherd and Chile for their assistance in organizing the Electronic Commerce Seminar. It was noted that E-Commerce is an important emerging activity both within APEC and the TPT-WG, because it impacts on several economic sectors and modes of transportation. E-Commerce is also important from the perspective of human resources development.

Wednesday, April 21^st, 1999

Item 1. Opening Remarks

Item 2. Approval of Agenda

Item 3. Summary Presentations by SCCs and Discussions

Item 4. New Project Proposals

(a)

(b)

(c)

Item 5. Review of TPT-WG Action Program

Item 6. Other Business

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