Hanoi (VNA) - The transport and logistics sectorsmade significant progress last year, including a fall in traffic accidents,experts agreed during an online conference on January 2.

Reports from the Ministry of Transport (MoT) showed thelogistics sector transported more than 1.6 million tonnes of goods last, up by9.7 percent compared with 2018.

The quality of transport services also improved, especiallyduring the holidays.

The country witnessed 17,626 traffic accidents last year thatkilled more than 7,624 people and injured 13,624, a decrease of 587 fatalitiescompared with 2018.

Management of railway crossings and education on trafficsafety regulations were strengthened, the report said.

The MoT is working with the Dong Nai People’s Committee toprepare for the construction of Long Thanh International Airport, which isexpected to be completed in 2025.

2019 was the fourth consecutive year the MoT had ranked firstout of 20 ministries and sectors in terms of providing online administrativeservices.

Attending the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dungpraised the MoT for its efforts.

The transport sector had contributed significantly to thecountry’s development, he said.

However, the transport sector still had several limitations,with a number of projects failing to meet up to expectations, delays and publicdisorder at several toll booths. Traffic jams were a regular occurrence in Hanoiand HCM City.

The Deputy PM asked the sector to develop a plan for 2021-2030for road, rail, sea and air transport.

The MoT should work closely with other ministries, sectorsand localities to ensure traffic safety and reduce traffic jams.

Workers in these sectors also needed more professionaltraining.

Deputy PM Dung confirmed the Government would work with theMoT to resolve problems and create the best conditions for the transport sector.

Minister of Transport Nguyen Van The said his ministry wouldimprove IT application to raise management effectiveness, and form policies toimprove to traffic safety such as the amended Law on Road Traffic whilecompiling a national strategy./.