US Signs A Cooperative Agreement with China on Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods

Following a joint Transportation Forum held in Beijing in December 2008, an agreement was shaped to help ensure the safe transport of Chinese materials across all modes of transportation – from seaports and aviation to rail and highway. On March 30th, 2009, US Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, joined China’s Minister of Transport, Li Shenglin, in signing the agreement to cooperate on the safe transportation of hazardous materials. The Agreement proposes that the US and China will develop and strengthen avenues of communication, improve harmonization of international regulations, cooperate on incident enforcement, and organize training activities of managerial and technical personnel. Secretary LaHood noted that the Dangerous Goods Agreement is a step forward on improving transportation’s role in fostering a healthy climate for commerce and economic growth, while creating good jobs for both US and Chinese citizens. The Agreement should also serve as the basis for expansion of hazmat services and product sales within China.