Paris, France – The Secretary General of the European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) Mr. Jack Short 2007-02-14 briefed on progress to create The International Transport Forum. He recalled that Ministers agreed in Dublin in May 2006 to
transform ECMT into an International Transport Forum. The Forum will become a
global summit for discussion on key fields of Transport strategy and action. The
event will be an annual highlight in the sector, covering global issues relevant to both
the public and private sectors, and involving all modes.

Delegates will include Transport Ministers, captains of industry from the Transport
and related sectors, as well as experts and decision makers. The presence of
newspaper editors and journalists will also be encouraged.

As from May 2008, date of the inaugural forum, the event will be established
permanently in Leipzig. The city was chosen for its long tradition as a transport hub,
its recognised expertise in conference organisation and its vibrant development. For
2008, the Forum will be on "Transport and Energy: the challenge of climate
change."

Commenting on the transformation, Mr. Short stated:
"The International Transport Forum will be an excellent platform to highlight and
debate transport strategy and transport issues that are relevant globally. I am
confident that it will very rapidly establish its role as the primary meeting point for
Economic and Sector leaders worldwide."

Additional background information (provided by Infrasite’s Editorial Staff)
90th Session of COUNCIL OF MINISTERS of transport (2006-05-17)