China launches “Green Freight Initiative”

China’s Ministry of Transport (MOT) and the China Road Transport Association (CRTA) recently launched the China Green Freight Initiative (CGFI) in Beijing. The CGFI was organized to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions from China’s truck fleets. “This initiative strongly supports China’s 12th Five-Year Plan priorities on energy efficiency and reduction of carbon emissions and air pollution from transport,” said Li Gang, director-general, Department of Road Transportation, MOT. “Improving fuel efficiency and reducing empty loads are also critical to a competitive road freight sector in China, and thus our economy.” The CGFI goal for the first year is to gain the cooperation of government agencies, association, private sector companies and other stakeholders and to promote green freight. (April 21, 2012)