Released 05/04/2018
Public transport decision makers from across the Asia-Pacific will meet in Canberra next year for the annual Asia-Pacific Regional Assembly, showcasing the capital and our growing public transport network to the world.
Minister for Transport and City Services Meegan Fitzharris said the event will again put Canberra on the map as an international conference destination and showcase our transport network to fellow jurisdictions in the Asia-Pacific.
“Canberra is truly an international city. The International Association of Public Transport’s decision to host the 2019 event in Canberra follows a range of activities undertaken by the ACT Government, including the establishment of direct flights to Asia, and investment in light rail. Canberra’s light rail project includes Japanese and Chinese organisations, reflecting our increasing engagement with the Asia-Pacific,” Minister Fitzharris said.
“Canberra is at the forefront of public transport improvement in Australia and our city is a leader in the development of a flexible, integrated and sustainable transport network.”
“The ACT Government will use the UITP conference as another opportunity to position Canberra as an attractive place to live, work, invest and visit for delegates from a range of countries across the region,” Minister Fitzharris said.
The event will host over 200 delegates from across the Asia-Pacific region and will provide an opportunity for key meetings for senior public transport officials from across the region, and technical tours of public transport in Canberra.
The successful bid to host the 2019 assembly was prepared by the ACT Government in collaboration with UITP Australia and New Zealand and the Canberra Convention Bureau. It was also supported by Public Transport Victoria, Transport for New South Wales and the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities.
“The successful bid for the 2019 UITP Regional Assembly is a great example of practical collaboration between the ACT Government and the Canberra Convention Bureau to deliver benefits for our city,” Michael Matthews, Canberra Convention Bureau Chief Executive said.
“By working together to bring international business events to the ACT, conferences such as UITP not only deliver significant economic contributions to the local economy and local businesses, but showcase the nation’s capital to thought leaders that encourages future visitation, collaboration and investment,” Mr Matthews concluded.
The 2019 Asia Pacific Regional Assembly is planned for October 2019. Past hosts of the regional assembly include Taipei (2018), Tokyo (2017) and Kuala Lumpar (2016).
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases
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