PARIS, February 26 /PRNewswire/ --

- Registration for the 2009 International Transport Forum Opens With Early Registration Discount Until 30 April

We are preparing the second International Transport Forum at an exceptionally challenging time for the global economy, said the Secretary General of the International Transport Forum (ITF) Jack Short in Paris on Thursday, while announcing the opening of the registration for this year's Forum, a key global meeting for the transportation community from politics and business. Headed Transport for a Global Economy - Challenges Opportunities in the Downturn, the Forum will be held from May 26 to 29 in Leipzig, Germany.

The transport sector is feeling the effects of the global downturn, with dramatic declines in sales and activities, Mr. Short noted. But transport can and should play a strategic role in the economic recovery process, ,stressed the Secretary General. By bringing together in Leipzig senior representatives from government, industry and the scientific community, the Forum is a unique opportunity to review the most pressing issues posed by the crisis and begin providing answers to key questions such as:

- How is the current crisis affecting transport and what are the appropriate policy responses? - What is the role for transport in an effective stimulus package? - How can environmental goals best be met? - What measures are needed to deal with the social consequences of the crisis? - How real is the risk of a return to protectionism?

More efficient transport can contribute a significant boost to restoring growth and confidence in the world economy, said Mr. Short. This year's Forum in Leipzig is an opportunity to lead the way.

More details on the 2009 International Transport Forum programme can be found at: http://www.internationaltransportforum.org/2009/pdf/Prelprog.pdf.

Registration Portal: http://www.internationaltransportforum.org - Until 30 April 2009 participants registering early will be able to benefit from a discount on the participation fee.

http://www.internationaltransportforum.org

Press Accreditation:

http://www.internationaltransportforum.org/Press/press.html.

Contact: Michael Zirpel, Director of Communications, International Transport Forum, Office: 5th floor, 2-4 rue Louis David, 75016 Paris, France Postal address: OECD/ITF, 2 rue Andre Pascal, F-75775 Paris Cedex 16, Tel. +33(0)1-45-24-95-96, Fax. +33(0)1-45-24-13-22, michael.zirpel@oecd.org.