REMARKS FOR

CLIFFORD EBY,

DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR

FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION

AFRICA GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY ACT (AGOA)

TRANSPORTATION AND TRADE FORUM

CAPE TOWN , SOUTH AFRICA

APRIL 16, 2008

Good morning. On behalf of President Bush and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, I appreciate this opportunity to distill all the many parts of this forum into a comprehensive overview and the Principles for Cooperation. 

But first, I want to thank each and every person who participated for sharing your knowledge, experiences and vision to help develop safe and efficient transportation systems for Africa .  From both government and the private sector, we heard remarkable insight into how transportation can pave the way forward in the region’s continued development and integration within the global economy.

As I listened to these presentations it became clear to me the importance AGOA plays in both the conceptual and planned transportation and trade networks in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

The common vision developed here for transportation infrastructure further solidifies the partnership of mutual interest in supporting the U.S. - Africa trade relationship.  And, will  increase economic growth, regional integration, and improve trade, safety and security.

Through your efforts these past few days we have developed a series of Principles for Cooperation.  These Principles lay down the framework to facilitate AGOA trade, tourism and economic development on the continent of Africa ; promote the development of integrated transportation infrastructure systems; and, build upon the ongoing work of sub-regional and non-government organizations. 

Nine identifiable objectives are highlighted for future implementation.  They are:

1.      Identify key regional transportation networks in the various regions of the continent, particularly those which serve as corridors for regional and global trade, and those national transportation projects which serve as components of those regional networks.

2.      Determine gaps in African national, sub-regional and continental transportation information networks, and establish better linkages among those networks by improving transportation information exchange and dissemination among African countries, and between African nations and appropriate international organizations collecting and disseminating such data. 

3.      Integrate air, land, sea and inland waterways transportation policies and practices across modes and between countries in Africa , through improved planning in the development, maintenance and regulation of transportation infrastructure and the linking of regional and sub-regional transportation institutions and systems.

4.      Share information on best practices in utilizing innovative financing mechanisms, in developing public-private partnerships, and in attracting and increasing domestic and foreign capital and other appropriate financing for vital transportation infrastructure on the continent. 

5.      Improve transportation safety and security, particularly road safety, and reduce transportation related fatalities through the implementation of agreed regulatory standards and proven safety measures.  

6.      Improve Africa ’s aviation infrastructure, especially airports, and regulations for safety and security to meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and recommended practices, with the goal of fully integrating African aviation into the mainstream of international aviation systems. 

7.      Promote efficient and equitable, market-responsive maritime services to facilitate the participation of African economics in the global market place and to strengthen the ties between our peoples.

8.      Identify and utilize appropriate existing and new transportation technologies in order to improve the operation, efficiency and safety of those systems, taking into account the need to address environmental issues and reduce transportation congestion and costs. 

9.      Facilitate the development of institutions and practices, including deregulation, privatization, and accountability, that will support the efficient, equitable and cost-effective management of Africa ’s transportation systems and institutions, both public and private.

These objectives set an aggressive agenda for the future.  But right now, they are just words and ideas.  They need to be put into action, and the following priority areas were identified for future cooperation and implementation:

1. Financing of transportation infrastructure and services;

Senior Officials agreed that the private sector can and must play an increasing role in meeting Africa ’s transport needs, and outlined the environment conducive for a public-private partnership in the provision of transport infrastructure and services.  In addition they urged the continued, active participation of United States and multilateral institutions and donor agencies in financing Africa ’s transportation infrastructure. 

2. Improve maritime and civil aviation systems;

Senior Officials agreed to work towards ensuring full compliance with international standards -- such as the International Civil Aviation Organization and International Maritime Organization -- and recommended practices with regard to civil aviation/maritime safety and security

3. Improve road development and safety;

Senior Officials agreed to actively participate in the Global Road Safety Partnership and to undertake a study to review current practices, and identify specific steps that can be taken to improve road safety in Africa . 

4. Cooperation on rail safety and privatization of rail assets;

5. Promote technology exchange;

Senior Officials agreed to adopt and utilize transportation technologies that contribute to safe and efficient transportation systems, to cooperate in establishing technology transfer and exchange programs, and to adopt transportation policies and utilize appropriate technologies to minimize damage to the environment.

6. Establish mechanisms for building capacity in the transport sector;

Senior Officials agreed to establish a vehicle for developing training needs in all transport modes.  The training will take place both in the United States and on the continent; with the goal of developing train the trainer programs to further enhance and expand efficient transportation systems.

7. Highlight the importance of Good Governance, and the need for oversight, accountability and transparency;

8. Encourage the development and implementation of transportation corridors that utilize harmonized equipment and regulations, taking into consideration land locked countries, and utilizing rail, roads, and inland waterways;

9. Establish the AGOA Transportation Working Group;.

Senior Officials created the AGOA Transportation Working Group as a means of follow up to this Forum and the implementation of their directives and work program.  The TWG is to meet annually, and modal experts are to meet in conjunction with ICAO, IMO, regional organization meetings, and others where appropriate, with a progress report to be reported to the Senior Officials and Transport Ministers, and finally to the AGOA Ministerial.

To make these plans come to life, the next step in the process is to develop a more detailed action plan, which will be developed by the AGOA Transportation Working Group. 

The AGOA Transportation Working Group will be co-chaired by ________ and a representative from the United States Department of Transportation (do we know who this is yet???).

I believe theses Principles of Cooperation are an outstanding beginning to further the development of AGOA transportation infrastructure.

Transportation is at the heart of economic development.   What good are trade pacts if products can’t move efficiently?  The fact is, a safe, reliable and modern transportation infrastructure is absolutely necessary for growth.

The modernization of all modes of transportation will move more people and goods, and will further solidify the partnership of mutual interest in supporting the U.S. - Africa trade relationship. 

If we all work together to make these Principles of Cooperation come to life, we WILL see economic growth. Or, as Americans often quote from a popular movie, “built it, and they will come.”

Thank you.