Official statements

Statements delivered by UPU member countries during the 2016 Ministerial Conference.

Each statement appears as it was given to the UPU by the member country, and should be checked against delivery.

Azerbaijan

H.E. Mr. Ramin Guluzade, Minister of Communications and High Technologies of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Dear General Director,

Dear Colleagues, Ladies and Gentleman,

It is known that despite the rapid development of telecommunication and information technologies in recent decades which had a significant impact on the reduction of the volume of traditional mails all over the world and in particular on correspondences, the demand for postal services still hasn't been reduced, but rather, develops dynamically changing its form. According to the world experts’ general opinion, development of financial services and e-commerce along with others spheres is the main milestone to fill the raised gaps.   

The policy implemented by government of our country in recent years oriented on development of non-oil sector and making the development of ICT sector significantly boosted the development of the postal sector. So, in order to accelerate the development of this field as a whole, in recent years a number of projects have been implemented with the support of the government.  I can give you an example of the project on "Improving the organization of the universal postal services" which resulted the reconstruction and equipment with necessary furniture and facilities of majority of post offices of the designated post operator. Today people have access to the postal services in every corner of the country including remote mountain villages.

Moreover, taking into account that the postal network platform covers a wide territory of the country, the government considers very important to render payment and financial services for the population through post offices. For this purpose "Development of Financial Services" project was been successfully implemented in collaboration with the World Bank during 2005-2010 years. As a result of the implementation of the project, the postal network of the designated post operator "Azerpost" LLC has been completely modernized and has been provided with automated mode of registering and tracking of domestic and international post.  Since 2010, whole country including remote villages has been provided with wide range of financial services.

For the purpose to support the development of the e-commerce and regulate this field, which assumes a great importance on modern development of the postal sector, the Republic of Azerbaijan adopted law "On Electronic Commerce" in 2005 and a number of measures have been taken in order to develop the electronic commerce over the past period. Due to a significant growing global interest to the Internet shopping in recent years, the number of international postal delivery imported to Azerbaijan has been significantly increased. The role of the designated post operator in e-commerce delivery market continues to grow rapidly. Approximately 10-15% of total revenues of the postal sector come from e-commerce and the main part of it goes to cross-border e-commerce. Currently, certain measures are implemented in order to develop domestic e-commerce market as well.

According to the laws of the country, the postal market in Azerbaijan is fully liberated and currently, more than 50 private post operators along with the designated post operator are delivering licensed express mail services.

"SMS-notification" service is provided for buyers of the designated post operator in order to improve the quality of delivery of online purchases imported to the country. Implementation of this service significantly accelerated the delivery of international small packages and parcels.

On the basis of the joint recommendation of the Universal Postal Union and the World Customs Organization postal and customs authorities of Azerbaijan signed Memorandum of Mutual Understanding that significantly facilitated customs clearance of e-commerce products imported to the country.  At the same time, electronic exchange of data is carried out between the customs and postal services of the country, which aims to speed up the customs processing of postal sendings.

Upon the request of the Ministry of Communications and High Technologies, for the purpose of wider development of e-commerce in the country and protection of financial interests of our citizens, simplified customs procedures have been approved by the Government of Azerbaijan. According to new regulations, it is intended to raise the customs payment of the goods sent to the country through international post by individuals from 200 USD to 1000 USD. This favoured conditions for our citizens to bring a wide range of high valued goods for their personal use by the means of e-commerce. As a result, the volume of mail containing high value goods imported to the country during the last 2-3 years significantly increased.

The Republic of Azerbaijan with its favourable geostrategic position between the Europe and the Asia and being a leading country of the Southern Caucasus has a special role in intercontinental integration and implementation of commercial processes as a transit country. Considering these opportunities, the advanced transportation-transit infrastructure has been formed in our country and large-scale projects and programs in the field of international transit transports are being implemented. 

As a part of the state policy we recently started to implement the project to make Azerbaijani Post operate as a regional transit postal centre in order to implement and develop international e-commerce. For this purpose, "Azerpost" LLC and the main player of the project with huge transportation opportunities "Silk Way" Airlines of Azerbaijan signed a cooperation agreement in the field of transit postal services and as well as other necessary measures has been taken.

The project includes bringing the e-commerce products ordered in the People`s Republic of China and its provinces Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan through which is the main export centres of the world and delivered to Azerbaijan by private express companies operating in these areas by means of "Silk Way" Airline, being processed as a transit post by Azerpost LLC and sent through "Silk Way" Airline to CIS, European and other countries. For this purpose, the Logistics Centre of Heydar Aliyev International Airport have been supplied with technical facilities for receipt, delivery and processing, as well as the necessary organizational measures have been fulfilled and initial operation started. At the same time IT systems of the parties have been equipment with integrated and automated information exchange.

Furthermore, in the upcoming days an agreement on cooperation in the field of international mail except to be signed between the designated post operator of Azerbaijan and the designated post operator of the Russian Federation which is the main country of destination of e-commerce products. Appropriate negotiations are concluded for signing similar agreements with the designated post operators of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Estonia as well as other interested countries.

At the time when service sphere takes a leading position in the development of the countries’ economy in the world and hold more shares on GDP, Azerbaijan gives special value to national postal and transport sectors, transport-transit services and researches how to get more revenues from this field. I believe that the reforms in the postal area must be sustainable in compliance with the development of economy as a whole and designated post operators must rapidly adjust themselves to the changes that happen in world. Regulatory authorities should support them in all possible ways. I think that the best results can be achieved only through mutual cooperation. I wish good luck to all the member countries in this direction. 

Thank you for your attention.

 

 

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Benin

Madame Rafiatou Monrou, Ministre de l’Economie Numérique et de la Communication de la République du Bénin

Excellences Mesdames et Messieurs les Ministres,

Monsieur le Président du 26ème Congrès de l’Union Postale Universelle,

Monsieur le Secrétaire Général,

Mesdames et Messieurs les Délégués,

Je voudrais saisir l’opportunité que m’offre cette tribune pour témoigner la gratitude du Gouvernement de mon pays et de son Président Monsieur Patrice Athanase Guillaume Talon, pour la sollicitude dont a bénéficié mon pays de la part l’Union Postale Universelle (UPU).

C’est donc ici le lieu de dire toute notre reconnaissance au Directeur général du Bureau international, Monsieur Bishar A. Hussein et à son adjoint, Monsieur Pascal Clivaz, pour la faveur, la détermination, l’unité d’action et la réussite dans la mise en œuvre des objectifs découlant de la stratégie postale de Doha, ainsi que la profonde mutation observée au niveau de l’union depuis leur élection au Congrès de Doha en 2012.

Mesdames et Messieurs les Délégués,

Le présent Congrès a débattu depuis son ouverture il y a déjà deux semaines, des questions importantes liées :

-      à la stratégie postale mondiale pour le prochain cycle ;

-      aux mécanismes de solidarité dans le cadre de la nouvelle vision de la coopération au développement ;

-      aux différentes stratégies de développement des services financiers, des services électroniques et du marché des colis postaux, etc.

Je ne doute pas un seul instant que les résolutions et recommandations auxquelles vous êtes parvenues ou qui sont en cours d’adoption, seront d’excellents outils pour un développement du commerce électronique et de l’innovation pour la mise en œuvre de la nouvelle stratégie postale et des  réformes à mettre en œuvre au cours du cycle 2017-2020.

La délégation de la République du Bénin que j’ai l’insigne honneur de conduire, se réjouit de participer à ces travaux et se félicite de l’excellence de la coopération qui ne cesse de se renforcer avec l’UPU.

Ainsi, depuis la mise en place du PIDEP au Bénin en 2006 :

-      un nouveau document de politique sectorielle des communications électroniques et de la Poste plus ambitieux a été adopté ;

-      un nouveau cadre légal et réglementaire a permis l’installation d’une nouvelle autorité de régulation du secteur qui a effectivement pris en charge la régulation du secteur de la Poste dans ses activités ;

-      l’opérateur désigné a été renforcé et modernisé à travers des contrats de performance qui le lie au Gouvernement avec comme levier principal, la qualité de service.

Ces actions, quoique non exhaustives, témoignent de la ferme volonté des Autorités du Bénin d’ériger au rang des priorités nationales et de prendre résolument en compte dans les objectifs stratégiques de développement du Bénin (OSD), la réforme et le développement de la Poste du Bénin.

Mesdames et Messieurs les Ministres

Mesdames et Messieurs les délégués,

Lors du 25ème Congrès tenu à Doha en 2012, vous avez élu mon pays, le Bénin comme membre du Conseil d’exploitation postale de l’UPU.

C’est fort de cette nouvelle expérience qui démontre éloquemment notre engagement permanent à œuvrer de façon active à l’atteinte des objectifs de notre Union commune, que je voudrais au nom du gouvernement de mon Pays, solliciter d’ores et déjà votre soutien à la candidature du Bénin pour le renouvellement de son mandat au Conseil d’Exploitation Postale.

Vive l’Union Postale Universelle,

Vive la coopération entre les pays membres de l’UPU,

Je vous remercie pour votre aimable attention.

 

 

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Bulgaria

Valery Borissov, Deputy Minister of Transport, Information Technology and Communications, Bulgaria

Excellency Mr. Kenan Bozgeyik, Chairman of the Congress,
Excellences Ministers and High Representatives,
Excellency the Director General,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great honour and pleasure for me to address you at this prestigious forum for the global postal community in the enchanting city of Istanbul. We have gathered here to share experience and ideas, which will further shape our national postal visions. Undoubtedly, postal players are essential part of the digital economy. Usually, we have used to focus our attention on postal operators mainly as e-commerce players. From policy-makers’ view, posts could be facilitators for provision of more and better Internet connectivity, as well. Bearing in mind that we still have a lot of work to do in order to fulfill the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, posts are more than ever the most appropriate tool to address the needs, both of big and small communities, including by offering affordable services or even serve as free public wi-fi access spots. In times of convergence, of course, we could not distinguish any longer between universal telecommunication service and the universal postal service. That is why; now is the right time everybody to access communication services in postal offices. Nowadays Internet access becomes utility service like electricity and water supply. In this regard, our national digital strategies should benefit from posts as trusted institutions where the latter could ensure all contemporary forms of communications. E-mails, phone calls, web sites, videos, search advertising, social networks they are still all letters spreading messages. This fact proves that postal service’s core business is not yet obsolete but postal operators have to seize the digital opportunity now.

In Bulgaria, in our Roadmap for Implementation of the 2016-2020 E-Governance Strategy post offices are determined as access points of all e-government services. Only the designated postal operator covers the entire country by its approximately 3000 postal offices. We plan these offices to have access to all e-services provided by central and local administrations. The employees there will assist elderly and other people without digital skills to get administrative services in electronic way. Furthermore, the roadmap includes the implementation of an information system for e-registered mail for secure delivery of documents and messages from the Government. The service would give business and citizens the opportunity to access and navigate their documentation by e-mails, to get SMS notifications, and postal addresses in a secure manner. Next, we are launching a system for e-notification of delivered postal items or products. To create a winning strategy for digital postal transformation we need to unite efforts of governments, local communities, telecom and postal operators, and people.

In order to unlock the digital potential of posts for all, I would complete the motto of the UPU’s sister organization within the UN system and namely, of the ITU, as follows:

“Connect the unconnected” through posts!

 

 

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Indonesia

Basuki Yusuf Iskandar, Vice Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Republic of Indonesia

 Your Excellency, the Director General of the UPU, Mr. Bishar Hussein,

 Honorable Chairman of the 26th UPU Congress, Mr. Kenan Bozgeyik,

 Excellencies, Distinguished delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,  

 Firstly, allow me on behalf of the Indonesian delegation to express my honor and appreciation to the UPU and local committee in convening this auspicious Congress.

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

Indonesia views that the postal sector plays a crucial role in promoting national and global communication and connectivity through the provision of many postal products and services. The smooth flow of connectivity, such as through postal services highly increases a countries’ level of welfare and GDP, which are hoped to be significant precursors of social and economic development and betterment, among rural and urban, as well as developed and under-developed areas. Postal services, particularly through the distribution of goods and services, provides connectivity to border, remote, marginalized, and unserved areas. Indonesia's vast postal network which comprises of  more than 35,000 postal facilities, provides holistic connectivity to many global and national regions. Furthermore, physical postal network is regarded unoptimal without the support of ICTs, for ICTs can connect dispersed physical postal facilities with timely communication and exchange of data much needed to boost commerce. Expansion of postal facilities and services out stretched all over Indonesia's border areas has displayed its significance towards upholding Indonesia's sovereignty in many border areas. Such postal facilities and services corroborated by ICTs can also drive commerce and transaction from urban areas to penetrate rural areas within a country, and cross border among nations. 

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

 The future success and performance of the postal sector should be measured through its capacity to expand its improvement and innovation of products and services, for instance postal financial inclusion. Postal financial inclusion reinforced through ICT networks and connectivity has assisted Indonesia in reducing the number of unbanked rural inhabitants which account for approximately 70 percent of Indonesia’s population. Indonesia’s Designated Operator is continuously providing access to financial services on its own or in cooperation with banking institutions. Moreover, postal financial inclusion such as postal savings accounts along with ICT has played a role in including rural, border, and marginalized areas in national and cross-border e-commerce. In 2014, the Indonesia’s Designated Operator has paid 15 million remittance amounting to USD 2 billion and helped people secure their money through 22 million saving accounts.Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates.

On this momentous occasion, Indonesia would also like to express its full support to UPU’s Reform of the Union, and appreciates the valuable works of the Union. Regulations and programs outlined by the UPU such as universal postal services, international mail processing system, addressing system, postal code system, have helped shape Indonesia’s postal reform. In views of improving the Union in its role to better assist member countries, Indonesia highly considers the importance of UPU reform in order to address swifter and more effective decision making processes for many crucial postal sector matters and challenges. I am very optimistic that the UPU reform will prove substantial to simplify the Union Bodies and processes, and make postal sector be more responsive towards changes. Indonesia supports UPU roles for postal sector development to narrow the gap and enhance cooperation among UPU members. 

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Indonesia acknowledges the future challenges and global postal paradigm shift faced by UPU. Underlining the important roles of POC and CA, Indonesia is willing to be part of future changes. Therefore, Indonesia is proposing to be member of POC and CA. Indonesia is seeking your kind support and vote during the upcoming election Indonesia will make use of Council members to reassure its committment towards achieving the goals development of e-commerce and effectiveness and efficiency of postal operations. Furthermore, Indonesia also wishes to strengthen and broaden our postal network and relations with other postal stakeholders in the spirit of transparency and mutual benefit in promoting sustainable development of the postal sector.

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished delegates,

Finally, Indonesia would like to announce that it would host a future postal event called “Bandung 2017 World Stamp Exhibition”, to be held in Bandung on 3 – 7 August 2017. We would like to invite and welcome all delegates to come.

I thank you all for your kind attention and support.

 

 

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Madagascar

André Neypatraiky Rakotomamonjy, Ministre des Postes, des Télécommunications et du Développement Numérique

Honorable assemblée,

Mesdames et Messieurs,

Nul n’ignore que la possibilité pour toutes les couches sociales d’accéder et de recourir à des services financiers multiformes, appropriés aux besoins et fournis par des institutions agréées contribue au développement d’un pays. Or, selon le rapport de la Banque Mondiale publié en 2014, deux milliards de la population mondiale n’utilisent pas de services financiers formels et c’est dans ce sens que l’inclusion financière et sociale a été prise en compte à travers les objectifs de développement durable des Nations Unies pour contribuer à l’expansion des activités productives et promouvoir ainsi le développement mondial.

A Madagascar, l’inclusion financière et sociale a été inscrite parmi les priorités de l’Etat et entre dans le cadre de la Politique Générale de l’Etat (PGE). Convaincu que l’inclusion financière  peut aider à parvenir à un développement plus important et plus inclusif, une stratégie nationale pour le renforcement de l’inclusion financière a été mise en œuvre depuis 2015. En fait, l’inclusion financière et sociale a le potentiel de stimuler l’épargne intérieure et de réduire le chômage parce qu’elle favorise la croissance des entreprises, nombreuses à pâtir de l’absence d’accès au crédit et à l’épargne.

Elle influe par ailleurs sur la stabilité macroéconomique grâce à un accès plus large aux dépôts bancaires et à la possibilité d’y recourir atténuant ainsi, en période de tension financière, l’ampleur des retraits d’argent ou le fléchissement de la croissance des dépôts.

Des études indiquent enfin que l'accès aux produits d'épargne, notamment l'épargne de projet (ou « bloquée »), dans laquelle la personne s'interdit de retirer des fonds jusqu'à ce qu'elle ait atteint l'objectif qu'elle s'est fixé, peut offrir des avantages considérables qui vont bien au-delà de la simple capacité d'un individu à économiser : cela contribue principalement à l'émancipation des femmes, à doper l'investissement productif et la consommation, à faire grimper la productivité et les revenus, ou encore à accroître les dépenses consacrées aux soins préventifs.

La PAOSITRA MALAGASY, opérateur désigné de MADAGASCAR, est l’un des acteurs non négligeables à la promotion de l’inclusion financière et sociale à Madagascar et joue un rôle prépondérant dans le secteur financier malgache à travers ses Bureaux de Poste  éparpillés dans toute l’île,

Ces dernières années, elle n’a pas cessé d’offrir de nouvelles possibilités accessibles aux populations notamment à la diversification des prestations de services financiers (transfert de fonds électronique, épargne postale, mobile banking, produit d’assurance, service de change, …). L'émergence de ces nouveaux produits a dans bien des cas été rendue possible par les avancées technologiques, et tout particulièrement par la diffusion dans le monde entier de la téléphonie mobile.

Néanmoins, de nombreux défis restent à relever pour que les services financiers soient encore plus disponibles, accessibles, abordables et donc inclusifs. Il y a lieu de développer des instruments financiers innovants et des infrastructures financières opérationnelles pour le bénéfice des groupes défavorisés et vulnérables. D’où nous estimons primordiale la mise en place d’un système monétique pouvant atteindre toutes les couches sociales.

Ce projet constituera un tremplin vers l'inclusion financière totale en ouvrant la voie à un large éventail de services financiers responsables fournis par une Poste plus robuste et plus performante. L'accès aux services financiers permettra aux individus et aux sociétés de lisser leur consommation, de gérer les risques et d'investir dans l'éducation, la santé et de nouveaux projets pour atteindre à son tour l’inclusion sociale.

L’appui technique et financier des différents partenaires nous permettront ainsi d’aller dans ce sens et de pérenniser nos efforts.

Honorable assemblée,

Mesdames et Messieurs, je vous remercie de votre aimable attention.

 

 

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Monaco

S.E. Carole Lanteri, Ambassadrice permanente auprès de l'ONU pour de la Principauté de Monaco

M. le Président,

Ces dernières années, les nouvelles technologies combinées à l’essor du commerce électronique ont profondément bouleversé le secteur postal. Aussi, les postes sont dans l’obligation de s’adapter à ce nouvel environnement.

Elles ont le choix entre une réduction des services proposés afin de limiter les coûts ou, au contraire, diversifier leur offre afin de multiplier les prestations et créer ainsi de nouvelles sources de revenus. C’est cette dernière option que La Poste Monaco a décidé de suivre.

À titre d’exemple, je souhaiterais porter à votre attention deux initiatives développées.

Pour la clientèle professionnelle, La Poste Monaco, en partenariat avec des acteurs locaux, a déployé une offre en matière d’éditique qui s’articule de la manière suivante : un opérateur télécom met à disposition ses centres de données pour leur collecte et leur stockage, un imprimeur récupère lesdites données pour les mettre en page et les imprimer, La Poste Monaco s’occupe de l’éventuel stockage en lieu sûr des plis, de l’affranchissement et de la distribution desdits documents et, enfin, un dernier acteur (Paynum, Docapost filiale de La Poste française) propose par l'intermédiaire de La Poste Monaco des moyens de paiement (ex.. : facturation d’abonnés).

Cette solution, hébergée à 100% sur le territoire de Monaco, s’appuie sur le meilleur de chacun des acteurs, garantit la confidentialité des données des clients et se veut gage d’efficacité et de réactivité compte tenu de la proximité des parties prenantes.

Autre exemple, pour la clientèle privée, La Poste Monaco a mis en place une solution s’appuyant sur les conciergeries de certains ensembles immobiliers de la Principauté. Ainsi, La Poste Monaco propose notamment la livraison anticipée et prioritaire des plis,  la collecte et la remise le même jour de courriers (service de coursiers) ou encore facilite la réception de courriers ou de colis multi-opérateurs.

Ainsi, avec ces offres, La Poste Monaco développe des solutions répondant à la fois aux besoins de ses clients et à la nécessité de créer de nouvelles sources de revenus.

Je vous remercie de votre attention.

Seul le prononcé fait foi.

 

 

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Nigeria

Abdur-Raheem Adebayo Shittu, Honourable Minister of Communications, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Mr. Chairman,

Permit me on behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari and all Nigerians, to congratulate the Government and people of the Republic of Turkey and the International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) for the excellent hosting of the 26th Congress of the Universal Postal Union in this beautiful and ancient city of Istanbul.

In line with the vision of the new administration in Nigeria, ably and courageously led by His Excellency the President, focusing on positive change in all facets of the Nigerian landscape, I wish to convey to this distinguished gathering, our unalloyed commitment to the repositioning of the postal service in Nigeria to meet the standards and aspirations of this Union.

As the Minister in charge of postal affairs in Nigeria, I want to assure you that I would do my utmost to ensure the rapid transformation of the postal service into a developmental tool for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals as set by the United Nations.

Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, let me also seize this opportunity to congratulate our sister country, Cote D’ivoire, for taking on the responsibility to host the World Postal Congress in 2020. As your close neighbour, we assure you of our support and cooperation.

We equally solicit for your support for our candidature of the CA and POC.

Shukran, Merci, Thank You.

 

 

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Qatar

Faleh Mohammad Al-Naemi, Chairperson & Managing Director, Qatar Post

Excellencies, Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen

I am delighted to be a part of this Congress in Istanbul.

Firstly, I would like to thank our brother, Turkey, for hosting this Congress, for its excellent organization and for for affording us such a warm welcome.

The state of Qatar had the honour of hosting the 25th Congress of the UPU, which produced results that we are still proud of today, and which paved the way to reform and change. It is in this context that 97% of the Doha Strategy has been implemented. Its central point was to give the postal sector a new and more modern image.

Excellencies, Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to draw your attention to the activities that we have been carrying out over the past four years, reflected in the 350 documents and proposals that we have scrutinized during this Congress.

Excellencies, Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are now at the point of bringing the work of the 26th Congress to an end, and I should not fail to emphasize the obligation of providing the universal service, and that satisfying the requirements of our customers is our essential goal. We must respect this obligation so that our sector can become more mature and adapt to the changes of our time.  Moving forward, for designated operators in particular, the Post aspires to become the preferred provider of e-government services and efficient transmission of e-commerce-related products.

I wish my friend, Kenan Bozgeyik, every success in taking up his duties as Chairman of the Council of Administration.

Once again, I would like to thank Turkey and its people for their fine hospitality. 

 

 

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Thailand

Somsak Khaosuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communication Technology

Mr. Chairman, 

The Director General of the UPU

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

On behalf of the Thai delegation, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Turkey for the warm hospitality extended to me and my delegation during our stay in Istanbul, as well as for the excellent preparation for this 26th Universal Postal Congress’ Ministerial Conference.

 Mr. Chairman,

Our meeting today presents an opportunity for thought-provoking and fruitful discussions among the member states. Thailand can draw on experiences and insights shared here to further develop our postal sector. In this regard, I would like to make a few comments.

We are all aware that the postal sector has always played a significant role in the national economic and social development. Thailand’s postal sector can be seen as an essential part of public infrastructures for the Thai people. The postal services and networks are vital tools to support the implementation of the Government’s policies.

From the economic and financial aspects, Thailand’s postal sector contributes to the increase of business capacity and competitiveness for entrepreneurs, SMEs in particular. Post offices help deliver goods from Thai entrepreneurs to both domestic and foreign consumers at reasonable and affordable prices. Thailand’s postal sector also tries to consistently transform its services in accordance with global economic trends. For example, a mobile application service has been developed to support an E-Commerce system for the customers. Moreover, Thailand is planning to enlarge postal service areas to facilitate international trade with ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) after the so-called ‘Cross Border Platform.’

Regarding the social aspect, the postal sector can help increase access to education and decrease the digital divide, especially for those in rural areas. Through correspondence courses, at both primary and higher levels, Thai postal sector acts as a medium in delivering textbooks and relevant school materials to students in remote or rural areas.

Moreover, the postal sector can play a significant role in reducing development gap within the Thai society. Our physical postal networks have been constantly integrated with technology to upgrade basic services into an online platform. For example, money order service was upgraded to an electronic one, which enables people in remote areas to get access to remittance service at the same quality as those living in urban areas.

Finally, rest assured that Thailand will continue to take active part in the UPU’s efforts to make the postal service a helping hand towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. 

Thank you.

 

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Turkey

Dr Omer Fatih Sayan, Chairman of the Board and President of the Information and Communication Technologies Authority of Turkey

Excellencies,

Distinguished Guests,

It is a great pleasure for me to address such a distinguished audience coming from all over the world on the occasion of the UPU 2016 Ministerial Conference and the 26th Universal Postal Congress. I would also like to take the pleasure of welcoming you all to Istanbul.

Before starting, I wish to express my sincere thanks to esteemed speakers in this session for their valuable views shared with us.     

In Turkey, liberalization of the postal sector started with the enactment of Postal Services Law of 6475 in the year 2013. With this Law, significant steps were taken for an effective competition to ensure better services and lower prices for consumers and legal barriers for the market access were eliminated. Also, the functions of regulation and inspection of the postal sector were granted to the Information and Communication Technologies Authority. In this context, By-Law on Authorization for the Postal Sector, By-Law on Provision of Postal Services and By-Law on Administrative Sanctions in the Postal Services were published in the Official Gazette in 2014.

Currently, there are 28 postal service providers in Turkey. They have been operating in the postal sector since the 1980s, particularly in the parcel market. As of end of the year 2015, number of staff of the service providers in the Turkish postal sector is around 60.000. Total net sales revenues of these service providers has reached the level of 3.5 billion TL at the end of 2015 and 2.3 billion TL at the first quarter of 2016 with an increase of 36%. It is expected to reach the figure of 5.4 billion TL at the end of this year. 

As we all know, postal sector provides great opportunity for growth and prosperity with widespread network reaching the population. It is very crucial component for many sectors and important enabler for the world economy. For sustainable economic growth, innovation should always be on the top priority. Also, the increase of the volume of ecommerce triggered by the development of electronic communications technologies have led the importance of postal sector.

In Turkey, number of internet users and correspondingly, interest to ecommerce is progressively increasing. While ICT sector in Turkey has an annual growth rate of 11-13 %, volume of ecommerce is growing more than 31% every year and it reached the value of 24.7 billion TL in the year 2015. This shows that share of ecommerce within the total trade is strongly increasing.          

As the regulatory body of Turkey for postal sector; we are well aware of that a great importance should be attached to the measures to be taken in order for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to not to face regulatory barriers for their own expansion and business development. MSMEs are the driver for growth in many developed markets, however they are usually poorly served by the postal industry. In this context, the awareness of the needs of MSMEs should be increased.

It is a fact that we cannot ignore, especially in developing countries, some postal operators are not accepted as trusted trade partners due to their insufficient service or poor and inconsistent strategies because of restrictive national laws and regulations. This deficiency in the effective regulation in the postal sector constitutes a major barrier to entry into the financial business of MSMEs. Because they are dependent on the service quality of their partner postal operator when making contractual obligations with their customers and have to count on this mutual business cooperation.

In order to reduce the postal divide in terms of quality of service that could jeopardize the entire universal postal delivery system, postal operators should be able to function in an effectively, impartially and timely regulated environment. We believe this is the most important condition to be provided to increase their capacity to facilitate trade for MSMEs.

The importance of the postal network as a tool for trade facilitation has also been recognised by Istanbul World Postal Strategy which has been accepted last week by this Congress. We, as ICTA, sincerely believe that UPU’s leadership for the cooperative study of the all Member States is crucial and will light our path in the future.

Expressing once again the great pleasure we have in seeing you, our distinguished guests, here in Istanbul, I wish you a fruitful conference and a very enjoyable stay in Turkey. 

Thank you. 

 

 

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