SINGAPORE, June 25 — Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) member economies are making air travel easier for the increasing number of passengers in the region.
Further improvements to a scheme that expedites travel and border entry for business people across the 21 Apec economies was the focal point of discussions by immigration and security officials who met yesterday in Medan, according to a statement from Apec Business Mobility Group released here today.
Convenor of the group, Agnieszka Holland, said: “The Apec Business Travel Card (ABTC) is a globally unique initiative designed to encourage business growth within the Apec region.”
The ABTC scheme offers business people a three-year, multiple, short-stay entry and express lane access at key immigration checkpoints in Asia Pacific economies.
Holland noted strong regional growth of the scheme, evidenced by the ascension of Russia to full membership on June 1, 2013 and the continued work of Canada and the United States towards full membership.
Apec officials continue to engage in a dialogue on emergency response travel facilitation for personnel and equipment in the Asia-Pacific region in times of disaster. — Bernama
