2010-05-27 09:58
Korea, China and Japan strengthen logistics cooperation
CHUNG, Jong-Hwan, Minister of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs attended in the third Korea-China-Japan Logistics Ministerial Conference, held in the Sichuan Capital Chengdu from May 13 to 14, and discussed ways to strengthen practical cooperation for seamless logistics transportation between the three nations.
The conference is the third conference for trilateral logistics cooperation following the first one held in Korea in 2006 and the second one held in Okayama, Japan in May 2008. During the conference, participants had in-depth discussions on how to implement agreed measures to achieve three goals of logistics cooperation, which are to realize a seamless logistics system between the three nations, create an eco-friendly logistics system and improve logistics security and efficiency.
The three nations agreed to reuse pallets that are used for freight loading, unloading and transportation, to increase joint research projects for green logistics and to start a pilot freight positioning system. Accordingly, they adopted a Joint Declaration and make efforts to cooperate for the development of logistics.
Unlike containers, pallets are subject to tariffs and value added taxes and thus disposable pallets are widely used (about 99%). Under that situation, the reuse of pallets will save 1 trillion won annually and protect the environment.
In addition, the three nations agreed to make joint efforts to strengthen practical cooperation by publicizing an investment guidebook that gives necessary information to logistics companies entering overseas markets.
Korea and China initialed the Agreement between Korea and China on Sea-Land Intermodal Freight Cars Transportation for smooth and fast logistics transportation. The intermodal freight cars transportation is to transport trailers loaded with containers through ferries from the starting place to the final destination without transshipment.
The agreement will be implemented in two phases. Under the first phase, trailers with the exception of tractors will be transported through sea transport modes from one nation to the final destination of the other nation. And under the second phase, it will include tractors and other freight cars to be transported into the other nation.
Korea and China will go through domestic procedures to sign the agreement, and they will allow trailer chassis to be transported between the two nations at the earliest possible.
Korea and China had a meeting during the conference and agreed to launch new air service between Kimpo and Beijing for fast exchanges of human resources and cargoes and to increase cooperation to prevent piratical attacks on the Gulf of Aden and off Somali Coast.
Korea and Japan also agreed to come up with ways to allow fresh fish carrying cars to run in each nation to increase the supply of air services between Korea and Tokyo and to make efforts to prevent piratical attacks.
If Korea fresh fish carrying cars (currently only allowed at bonded areas in ports) are allowed to drive into Japan, transport cost will be reduced by more than 30% and product values will also increase.<Korea Shipping Gazette>
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