Lima, March 27, 2004. Yesterday, in Manta, Ecuador, Andean Community Transport and Public Works Ministers approved the White Paper on International Land Transportation in the sub-region, containing a very realistic diagnosis, as well as goals and specific actions aimed at the development of this sector.

The announcement was made today by CAN Secretary General, Allan Wagner Tizón, underscoring the importance of this resolution, which, as he noted, "will mark the beginning of a new phase in the treatment of international land transportation between our countries, following years of very little progress and much frustration".

He indicated that the White Paper will be made available for review by all parties participating in the international land transportation issue in the five Andean countries, through the Andean Community’s web site and in forums to be held in each of the Andean countries.

"The objective is to present to the Presidents at the Andean Summit to take place next July, a program comprising the solutions to the issue, which has become the vulnerable spot of integration", he noted.

Wagner also mentioned that the Andean Ministers Council made decisions meant to facilitate passenger and freight transport in the sub-region, through Binational Border Service Centers.

He informed that they resolved to institute, by July at the latest, a "Binational Pilot Center" at the Rumichaca International Bridge, between Ipiales and Tulcán, in the Colombian – Ecuadorean border, which will make it possible to repeat the experience in the other Andean countries and thus demonstrate that it is feasible to have an integrated system of customs, immigration, police and health services at our borders.

He further noted that, at the same time, other CAN countries will be working to the same effect. "We know that the Transport Ministers of Peru and Bolivia have made progress towards an understanding, which will overcome the bottleneck existing in Desagüadero", he added.