Singapore and the United States are looking to explore ways to revive international air travel safely amid COVID-19, including the use of vaccination certificates.
Minister for Transport of the Republic of Singapore, Ong Ye Kung, and Secretary of Transportation of the United States of America, Pete Buttigieg, held an introductory virtual meeting yesterday. They “recognise the impact of transportation on climate change”, and the “critical role” it will play in driving economic recovery, keeping goods and supply chains moving, and facilitating people-to-people exchanges.
“Building on the excellent co-operation established over the years by the technical agencies and officials on both sides, they intend to strengthen and deepen bilateral exchanges between Singapore and the United States across all transport sectors,” said Singapore’s Ministry of Transport and the US’ Department of Transportation in a joint statement.
Besides exploring ways to revive international air travel and long-term post-pandemic recovery and resiliency, the countries agreed to continue to cooperate on enhancing safety, security and facilitation.
They will exchange best practices on urban transport and intelligent transport systems, and explore opportunities to advance digitalisation and “harness the potential of automation”, said the joint statement.
With both Singapore and the US parties to the Paris Agreement, they will collaborate on climate action in the area of transport. These include alternative fuels, electrification, market-based measures and tech advancements for greater efficiency.
They will also advance the development and deployment of sustainable aviation fuels and other green technologies that meet international standards, said the joint statement.
Other areas of cooperation include identifying new innovations such as electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and smart mobility technologies.
Singapore and the US will also explore climate-friendly best practices in urban transport planning, such as reducing unnecessary trips and encouraging the use of public transports and low-emissions options such as walking and cycling.
“Both sides intend to also strengthen co-operation at the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) and International Maritime Organization (IMO), to keep aviation and maritime transport open, efficient, reliable, safe, sustainable, and resilient, in a manner consistent with applicable international law, and in close consultation with industry and other stakeholders,” said the joint statement.