China now a full member of the International Transport Forum

The People's Republic of China is now a full member of the International Transport Forum (ITF). Vice-Minister Gao Hongfeng first announced China’s intention to join the Forum at the Summit in May 2011 – and the accession process has now been completed.

Meanwhile, ITF Secretary General Carole Coune has officially announced her resignation. A new leadership structure is now in place to ensure the running of the Secretariat and preparation for the 2012 Summit in Germany. The Transport Management Board has appointed Michael Kloth as Acting Secretary General.

In his new position, Kloth welcomed the Forum’s 53rd member country: “China has a long tradition as a key nation in international transport. With its economic rise, it is today also at the forefront of the debate about the policies and best practices that will shape transport in the 21st century. China's accession to the Forum is an important development and we look forward to having the People's Republic of China participating as a member at the 2012 Summit in Leipzig, Germany.”