Russia joins ATBC scheme

The APEC Business Mobility Group announced that the Russian Federation has been accepted into the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) scheme as a transitional member. This means that all of APEC’s 21 members now participate in the scheme.
 
“This is a historic occasion for APEC and the ABTC, as Russia’s membership completes the circle. The ABTC is one of APEC’s great success stories: it contributes to APEC’s goal of free and open trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific, and shows how practical cooperation can be achieved,” said Mr Stephen Allen, Chair of the APEC Business Mobility Group which oversees the scheme.
 
At the official membership ceremony, Mr Vladimir Kristov from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation described the significance of the occasion: “This is a marvellous event for Russia and for the region. We can all now use the ABTC as a platform for great business opportunities, and increase the linkages between our economies”.
 
The ABTC facilitates business travel in the Asia-Pacific by allowing cardholders:
- Pre-cleared immigration entry into the 18 fully participating member economies, eliminating the cost and time involved in obtaining visas.
- Expedited transit through special fast-track lanes at major airports and seaports in all 21 economies.
 
Over 80,000 active cardholders now enjoy these benefits, and the APEC business community’s interest in the scheme continues to grow.

Source: TDN

31.05.10