FOR PARTICIPANTS ONLY ENGLISH ONLY UNITED … · database Updated the Asian Highway map1, ... Annual Conference of CEOs ... Delhi, 13 December 2007)

DMR A2008-000341 TP 271008 DP 271008 DI 271008 CTR_INF1_Status of activities under RAP

FOR PARTICIPANTS ONLY

E/ESCAP/CTR/INF/1 24 October 2008

ENGLISH ONLY UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC Committee on Transport First session 29-31 October 2008 Bangkok

The secretariat is pleased to submit a summary of the current status of activities implemented under

the Regional Action Programme for Transport Development in Asia and the Pacific, 2007-2011, of the

Busan Declaration on Transport Development in Asia and the Pacific (see Commission resolution 63/9 of

23 May 2007). It is intended to provide participants with additional information relating to the documents to

be considered under items 4 through 6 of the provisional agenda (E/ESCAP/CTR/L.1).

_______________

This document has been issued without formal editing.

E/ESCAP/CTR/INF/1 Page 1

SUMMARY OF THE CURRENT STATUS OF ACTIVITIES IMPLEMENTED BY THE ESCAP SECRETARIAT UNDER THE REGIONAL ACTION PROGRAMME (2007-2011)

OF THE BUSAN DECLARATION ON TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

(January 2007-October 2008)

Subprogramme/ Programme Element/

Output

Activities undertaken in 2007 Activities undertaken or under implementation in 2008, including those planned or ongoing on a

continuing basis

1. POLICY GUIDANCE AT THE MINISTERIAL LEVEL 1.1. A forum of Asian Ministers of Transport

Immediate objective: to promote regional cooperation and policy leadership at the ministerial level for the advancement of transport as a key to regional development.

1.1.1. Regular scheduled meetings of Asian Ministers of Transport

Desk research undertaken and document No. E/ESCAP/CMG(4/I)/5 dated 3 August 2007 entitled Organization and Format of a Forum of Asian Ministers of Transport was prepared for consideration of Committee on Managing Globalization, Part I, fourth session (Bangkok, 12-14 September 2007), together with an Information Paper providing details of the organization and format of other similar bodies of relevance to the matter. The Committee subsequently supported the establishment of the Forum, noting the role that it could play in providing strategic guidance for the regional development of transport, improving transport capacity, promoting cooperation, contributing to regional integration and enabling countries to benefit from globalization.

The issue related to the Forum of Asian Ministers of Transport was considered by the sixty-fourth session of Commission (Bangkok, 24-30 April 2008), as part of document E/ESCAP/64/8 dated 18 January 2008 entitled Latest Developments Relating to Managing Globalization. The Commission subsequently adopted resolution 64/5 of 30 April 2008 on Establishment of the Forum of Asian Ministers of Transport, thereby requesting the Executive Secretary to convene the first session of the Forum in 2009 and subsequently on a regular basis with the first session deciding its frequency. It also encouraged members and associate members to host sessions of the Forum. Issues relating to the organization of the first session of the Forum of Asian Ministers of Transport in 2009 will be submitted to the Committee on Transport, first session (Bangkok, 29-31 October 2008) under item 6 of the provisional agenda (document E/ESCAP/CTR/6 dated 5 September 2008).

1.1.2. Ministerial consideration and direction to transport policies in the region



Output


continuing basis

2. TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT 2.1. Promotion and development/upgrading of the Asian Highway

Immediate objective: to promote the Asian Highway network through coordinated planning for development of national road infrastructure, including upgrading of the network

2.1.1. Meetings of the Working Group on the Asian Highway

Organized Second Meeting of the Working Group on the Asian Highway (Bangkok, 15 November 2007)

Third Meeting of the Working Group on the Asian Highway is planned in 2009.

2.1.2. Updated Asian Highway maps and database

Updated the Asian Highway map1, and the Asian Highway database2.

Continued updating of the Asian Highway Map and Asian Highway database during the 2008-2009 biennium.

2.1.3. Investment studies on Asian Highway Network

Organized Regional Workshop on Upgrading of Asian Highway Priority Routes (Bangkok, 19-21 June 2007). Within the framework of the Project on Promotion and Development of Asian Highway: Upgrading of the Asian Highway Priority Routes, conducted four prefeasibility studies of selected routes, namely: AH82: Goris-Kapan section (Armenia); AH1: Bhatiapara-Benapole section (Bangladesh); AH32: Ondorhaan-(Choybalsan)-Sumber-Chinese Border (Mongolia); and Mongwa-Yagi-Kalewa section (Myanmar).

1 http://www.unescap.org/ttdw/common/TIS/AH/maps/ah_map_2007.jpg 2 http://www.unescap.org/ttdw/common/tis/ah/Database.asp



Output


continuing basis

2.2. Promotion, development and operationalization of the Trans-Asian Railway

Immediate objective: to promote the Trans-Asian Railway network for the efficient and sustainable movement of goods and people

2.2.1. Meetings of the Working Group on the Trans-Asian Railway Network

Working Group on the Trans-Asian Railway network will be held in 2009 (subject to the entry into force of the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Trans-Asian Railway Network).

2.2.2. Cooperation among railway organizations on the Trans-Asian Railway routes and operationalization of rail transport services

Represented ESCAP at: (a) Annual Conference of CEOs and Executive Officers of Railway Industries (Kuala Lumpur, 22-24 January 2007); (b) Project Coordinating Committee Meeting for the Feasibility Study for the Thailand-Myanmar Railway Link of the Singapore-Kunming Rail Link Project (Bangkok, 1-2 February 2007); (c) Training Course for Railway Personnel of BIMSTEC and Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Countries (Vododara, India, 18 March-4 April 2007; (d) 2nd Asian Railway Summit and UIC Asia Regional Assembly Meeting (New Delhi, 21 March 2007); (e) Asia Pacific Rail 2007 (Hong Kong, China, 21-22 March 2007); (f) 2nd Railway Assembly for UIC Middle-East Railways (Esfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran, 29-30 May 2007); (g) 9th Meeting of Heads of Railways of ECO region (Astana, 13-14 June 2007); (h) International Conference and Exhibition “Rail Tech Russia – 2007 (Moscow, 18-19 June 2007); (i) 9th Special Working Group on the Singapore-Kunming Rail Link Project (Singapore, 19 October 2007; (j) OSCE Conference on Prospects for Development of Trans-Asian and Eurasian Transit Transportation through Central Asia until the year 2015 (Dushanbe, 23-24 October 2007); (k) 4th Meeting of

Project on Identifying Investment Needs and Development Priorities for the Trans-Asian Railway Network: organized Subregional Workshop on Identifying Investment Needs and Development Priorities for the Trans-Asian Railway Network in Countries of North and North-East Asia, including issues relating to the operationalization of the Trans-Asian Railway Northern Corridor (Ulaanbaatar, 14-15 May 2008). The workshop also discussed follow-up of the 4th Steering Committee Meeting on the Planning and Implementation of Demonstration Runs of Container Block-Trains along the Trans-Asian Railway Northern Corridor (Astana, September 2006). Additional Steering Committee meetings are planned to be held in 2009 under the framework of the Project on Operationalization of International Intermodal Transport Corridors in North-East and Central Asia. Policy-level Expert Group Meeting to decide intermodal transport corridors for operationalization is scheduled to be held on 10 and 11 December 2008 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Represented ESCAP at: (a) First Meeting of UIC Working Group on International Rail Corridors (Paris, 14 March



Output


continuing basis

Chief Executive of Railways (Bangkok, 3-4 November 2007). Collaborated in the organization of: (a) Korea Railways and Logistics Fair 2007 (Busan, Republic of Korea, 16-17 May 2007).

2008); (b) Annual Meeting of Commission on Freight Transport of the Organization of Railways Cooperation (OSJD) (Warsaw, 7-10 October 2008); (c) 10th Special Working Group on the Singapore-Kunming Rail Link Project (Kuala Lumpur, 21-22 October 2008); Collaboration in the organization of: (a) Korea Railways and Logistics Fair 2009 (Busan, Republic of Korea, 2009).

2.2.3. Updated Trans-Asian Railway maps and the establishment of a database

Updated the Map of the Trans-Asian Railway Network 3 and work undertaken on the establishment of the Trans-Asian Railway database for incorporation into GIS database

Continued updating of the Map of the Trans-Asian Railway and database.

2.2.4. Investment studies on Trans-Asian Railway Network

Project on Identifying Investment Needs and Development Priorities for the Trans-Asian Railway Network: organized Subregional Workshop on Identifying Investment Needs and Development Priorities for the Trans-Asian Railway Network (New Delhi, 13 December 2007).

Project on Identifying Investment Needs and Development Priorities for the Trans-Asian Railway Network, organized : (a) Subregional Workshop on Identifying Investment Needs and Development Priorities for the Trans-Asian Railway Network for Countries of the Caucasus Region, Central Asia and Afghanistan, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Turkey (Tehran, 18 February 2008), and (b) Subregional Workshop on Identifying Investment Needs and Development Priorities for the Trans-Asian Railway Network in Countries of North and North-East Asia, including issues relating to the operationalization of the Trans-Asian Railway Northern Corridor (Ulaanbaatar, 14-15 May 2008). In addition, a study on Identifying Investment Needs and Development Priorities for the Trans-Asian Railway Network is under preparation and will be available in 2009.

3 http://www.unescap.org/ttdw/common/TIS/TAR/images/tarmap_latest.jpg



Output


continuing basis

2.3. Integrated intermodal approach to transport planning and infrastructure development Immediate objective: to promote an integrated approach to transport planning as an integral part of an international integrated intermodal transport system for Asia and a focus for economic and trade development

2.3.1. Intermodal studies and forecasts to provide a regional context for national transport planning and regional policy development

Prepared manual and software including CD-ROM on Integrated Transport Planning Model (ITPM), for distribution to the parties concerned (December 2007). Project on Regional Intermodal Transport Planning, phases I and II: published Regional container shipping and port development strategies: container traffic forecast: 2007 updates (ST/ESCAP/2484)4.

Continued updating of the ITPM manual and software during the biennium 2010-2011.

2.3.2. Policy guidelines for the development of inland container depots and dry ports and information and communication infrastructure for an integrated intermodal transport network

Project on Promoting the Role of the Asian Highway and Trans-Asian Railway: Intermodal Interfaces as Focus for Development: A final study report including policy guidelines is under preparation and will be available in 2008. Project on Evaluation of potential for dry ports development in the ASEAN subregion and comprehensive review of the main dry ports in Asia: desk research being undertaken. Organized UNESCAP Workshop on the Development of Dry port and logistics in the ASEAN subregion (Bangkok, 9-10 September 2008).

4 http://unescap.org/ttdw/PubsDetail.asp?IDNO=196



Output


continuing basis

2.3.3. Investment forums to establish networks to improve the exchange of information on the business and investment environment, ideas and experiences

Organized Asian Highway Investment Forum (Bangkok, 16 November 2007)5

Trans-Asian Railway Investment Forum is planned in 2009 in conjunction with the first meeting of the Working Group on the Trans-Asian Railway Network.

2.3.4. Joint meetings of the working groups on the Asian Highway and Trans-Asian Railway

Joint meeting of the working groups of the Asian Highway and Trans-Asian Railway is planned for the 2010-2011 biennium.

2.3.5. Capacity-building through seminars, workshops and training activities

Project on Promoting the Role of the Asian Highway and Trans-Asian Railway: Intermodal Interfaces as Focus for Development: organized Subregional Workshop for ASEAN on the Development of Intermodal Interfaces (Bangkok, 28-29 August 2007); and (b) Subregional Workshop for South Asia on the Development of Intermodal Interfaces (New Delhi, 11-12 December 2007). Project on Regional Intermodal Transport Planning, phases I and II: organized National Workshops on Intermodal Transport Planning (Ulaanbaatar, 19-20 September 2007; Vientiane, 22-23 November 2007). Represented ESCAP at KOTI International Conference on Promoting Strategy of Multimodal Transport in North-East Asia (Vladivostok, 26-27 July 2007). United Nations Development Account Project on

Project on Promoting the Role of the Asian Highway and Trans-Asian Railway: Intermodal Interfaces as Focus for Development: organized (i) Subregional Workshops on the Development of Intermodal Interfaces for the countries of: (a) the Caucasus Region, Central Asia, and Afghanistan, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Turkey (Tehran, 16-17 February 2008); and (b) North and North-East Asia (Ulaanbaatar, 12-13 May 2008); and (ii) Regional Meeting on Promoting the Role of Asian Highway and Trans-Asian Railway: Intermodal Interfaces for Development (Bangkok, 16-17 June 2008). Organized ESCAP/KMI/SPC joint workshop on maritime trade and shipping services in the Pacific (Suva, 26 September 2008). Represented ESCAP at 4th China International Container and Intermodal Transportation Forum (Tianjin, China, 5-6 September 2008) United Nations Development Account Project on

5 <http://www.unescap.org/ttdw/cmoon/TIS/AH/ah_investment_forum.asp>



Output


continuing basis

Interregional Transport Linkages: organized; (a) Inter-regional seminar on economic assessment of international transport linkages and transport facilitation (Cairo, 26-28 June 2007); and (b) Final Seminar of the Interregional Transport Linkages Project: Best Practices and Lessons Learnt from the Project (Abu Dhabi, 23-25 October 2007).

Interregional Transport Linkages: published UNECE/UNESCAP joint study on Euro-Asian Transport Linkages.

2.4. Management and maintenance of transport infrastructure Immediate objective: to improve national capacities in the management and maintenance of transport infrastructure

2.4.1. Publication of guidelines, including examples of regional best practices on the management and maintenance of transport infrastructure

2.4.2. Capacity-building through seminars, workshops and training activities

3. TRANSPORT FACILITATION 3.1. Facilitation coordinating mechanisms

Immediate objective: to promote collaboration between all stakeholders involved in international transport from the public and private sectors for transport facilitation

3.1.1. Guidelines on establishing or strengthening national facilitation coordinating mechanisms refined and published

Published study on national coordination mechanisms for trade and transport facilitation6

6 <http://unescap.org/ttdw/PubsDetail.asp?IDNO=198>



Output


continuing basis

3.1.2. Workshops, seminars and advisory services for establishing or strengthening national facilitation coordinating mechanisms

Organized: (a) National Workshops-cum-Advisory Services on facilitation of interregional transport along Euro-Asian transport linkages (Islamabad, 18-24 August 2007; Tehran, 20-21 October 2007). Represented ESCAP at: ECE’s 20th Working Party on Transport Trends and Economics; First Informal Experts Meeting on Euro-Asian Transport Links and Workshop on Euro-Asian Transport Links (Geneva, 12-14 September 2007).

Training on national transport facilitation coordination mechanisms is scheduled to take place during the 2008-2009 biennium. Represented ESCAP at Ministerial Meeting on Euro-Asian Transport Links (Geneva, 19-21 February 2008).

3.1.3. Regional and subregional fora of national facilitation coordinating mechanisms

Represented ESCAP at International Road Federation Conference on Black Sea and Silk Road (Istanbul, 14-16 May 2007).

3.2. Legal frameworks for international transport

Immediate objective: to assist countries in putting in place suitable legal regimes to facilitate international land transport

3.2.1. Study on the implementation of Commission resolution 48/11 on road and rail transport modes in relation to facilitation measures and the possible inclusion of additional conventions

3.2.2. Workshops, seminars and advisory services on accession to, and implementation of, major international facilitation conventions

Organized seminar on facilitation of international road transport (Urumqi, China, 21-22 August 2007).

3.2.3. Guidelines on the formulation and Published study on ‘Towards a Harmonized Legal



Output


continuing basis

implementation of agreements for international land transport

Regime on Transport Facilitation in the ESCAP Region – Guidelines” (ST/ESCAP/2489, December 2007)7.

3.2.4. Meetings, training courses and studies on the formulation and implementation of subregional agreements on the facilitation of international land transport

Organized Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Negotiating Meetings on the Agreement between the Governments of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States on Facilitation of International Road Transport (Beijing, 23-26 January 2007; Bishkek, 17-20 July 2007; and Beijing, 17-21 December 2007 respectively). Provided advisory services on transit charges to Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Conducted a study on legal regimes for inter-State and transit transport. Study on Pricing of Customs Documents under GMS CBTA for the East-West Economic Corridor (funded by ADB), involving fielding mission to Lao People’s Democratic Republic (18-22 November 2007) and Cambodia (25 November-1 December 2007), to collect data/information for the study and discuss with relevant organizations the possible arrangements for the issuance of the Customs documents under the GMS CBTA.

Organized Eighth Negotiating Meeting on the Agreement between the SCO Member States on Facilitation of International Road Transport (Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz Republic, 24-26 June 2008). Study on Pricing of Customs Documents under the GMS CBTA initially for the East-West Economic Corridor, involving presentation of the ADB-UNESCAP study on pricing of customs documents at ADB/UNESCAP Customs Subcommittee Meeting for East-West Economic Corridor (Chengdu, 2-3 April 2008); and assisted in finalizing arrangements with site applications of the pricing models developed by ADB and UNESCAP at ADB/UNESCAP Expert Group Meeting on GMS Customs Transit System (Chengdu, 7-9 April 2008). Subsequently, the study was extended to encompass the North-South Corridor, involving collection of data and discussions with stakeholders relating to ADB-UNESCAP joint study on pricing of customs documents under GMS CBTA for North-South Corridor (Beijing, 7-10 May 2008 and Kunming, 12-14 May 2008).

3.3. Application of new technologies

7 http://unescap.org/ttdw/PubsDetail.asp?IDNO=200



Output


continuing basis

Immediate objective: to promote the simplification/harmonization of border-crossing procedures and documentation for international transport and the application of new technologies, including information and communication technology

3.3.1. Study on the impact of new technologies, including information and communication technology, on border controls and international transport

3.3.2. Workshops and seminars on application of new technologies to border controls and international transport

3.4. Tools for the identification of bottlenecks and the monitoring of the impact of facilitation measures Immediate objective: to assist countries in identifying, isolating and addressing the major bottlenecks impeding smooth and efficient international transport

3.4.1. Refinement of facilitation diagnostic and monitoring tools

The UNESCAP Time/Cost-Distance methodology and related templates for transit route analysis were revised to increase ease of use and incorporate the needs of recipient countries. The secretariat developed a new user-friendly “toolkit” containing additional analytical functions to facilitate comparative analysis of time and cost of transport, movement and stops (including border crossings). In addition the revised toolkit was distributed to several international organizations including the International Road Transport Union, the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.

The templates and user manuals for the revised UNESCAP Time/Cost-Distance methodology were translated into Russian for the benefit of the Central Asian member countries, including members of the Project Working Group on Transport and Border Crossing, under the framework of the United Nations Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA). The toolkit and user templates were also translated into Arabic and French to allow a broader geographical scope of application, and based on request by countries falling under the purview of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), and the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).



Output


continuing basis

3.4.2. Workshops, seminars and training courses on the application of facilitation diagnostic and monitoring tools

Organized: (a) UNESCAP/UNCTAD Third Cluster Development Meeting on Transport Facilitation (Nong Khai, Thailand, 3-4 May 2007); (b) 4th UNESCAP-UNCTAD Meeting on Capacity Building in Trade and Transport Facilitation for Landlocked and Transit Developing Countries in Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Thailand (Bangkok, 28-30 November 2007).

3.5. Transport operator skills upgrading

Immediate objective: to assist countries in upgrading the capacity of professionals to undertake international land transport operations

3.5.1. Promotion and regional networking of national training centres for international land transport

3.5.2. Content of training courses and materials for international land transport recommended

3.5.2. Training of trainers courses for international land transport

4. TRANSPORT LOGISTICS



Output


continuing basis

4.1. Guidelines for the operation of logistics service providers Immediate objective: to create common standards for the operation of logistics service providers and to harmonize the approaches of regional member countries with a view to raising the profile of freight forwarders, multimodal transport operators and logistics services providers within the transport industry

4.1.1. The publication of codes of conduct and minimum standards based on best practices and experience in registration requirements and liability regimes for the operations of freight forwarders, multimodal transport operators and logistics services providers

Desk research was undertaken, and several National Associations provided information on their standard trading conditions and criteria for membership .The issue of common minimum industry standards including criteria for membership, registration requirements and codes of conduct for industry associations was discussed at the UNESCAP Meeting of Executives of National Freight Forwarders and Logistics Association (Bangkok, 20 June 2007).

Preliminary findings from the desk research and information collated by the secretariat with respect to industry self-regulation and/ or Government monitoring and legislation were shared with leading industry representatives at the UNESCAP Meeting of Chief Executives of National Freight Forwarders and Logistics Associations (New Delhi, 7 July 2008). Ensuing discussions at New Delhi supported the need for developing common guidelines and industry standards at a regional level. The ESCAP secretariat will continue to assist member countries via its ongoing research and studies to identify best practices that can be adopted at a national and/ or regional level.

4.2. Development of logistics service centres Immediate objective: to promote the development of efficient logistics service centres and clusters throughout the region

4.2.1. The publication of research and study findings on corridor development and best practices for the operation of logistics service centres

Research and study on the logistics centres included under the wider umbrella of ‘dry ports’ (ref: 2.3.2) and the infrastructure aspects and the facilitation aspects are dealt in an integrated manner. Interim results of research and studies relating dry ports/logistics centres and transport corridors disseminated and discussed with academia and industry through participation in several international conferences and meetings. Such events included (a) Third International Conference on Port and Logistics Development - Summit Forum on Logistics Strategy for Ports of China and Europe (Dalian, China,1 April 2008), (b) International



Output


continuing basis

Association of Maritime Economists (IAME) 2008 Annual Conference (Dalian, China, 2-4 April 2008), (c) International Forum on Shipping, Ports and Airports (IFSPA), (Hong Kong, 25-28 May 2008,), (d) Foreign Trade Logistics Conference ( Mersin, Turkey, 14-15 October 2008).

4.3. Promoting partnerships and exchange of experiences within the region Immediate objective: to create local, subregional, regional and international networks to strengthen the capacity of the logistics services industry to create partnerships, to share experiences and to improve its competitiveness

4.3.1. Regional meetings of national freight forwarders, multimodal transport operators, logistics service providers and shipowner associations

Organized two self-funded regional meetings: (a) UNESCAP Meeting of Executives of National Freight Forwarders and Logistics Association (Bangkok, 20 June 2007); and (b) UNESCAP Regional Forum of Freight Forwarders, Multimodal Transport Operators and Logistics Service Providers (Bangkok, 22 June 2007).

Organized two-self-funded regional meetings: (a) UNESCAP Meeting of Chief Executives of National Freight Forwarders and Logistics Associations (New Delhi, 7 July 2008) and (b) UNESCAP Regional Forum of Freight Forwarders, Multimodal Transport Operators and Logistics Service Providers (New Delhi, 9 July 2008)8.

4.3.2. The sharing of private sector experiences with Governments through meetings and publications

The key outcomes of the UNESCAP Meeting of Executives of National Freight Forwarders and Logistics Associations were brought to the attention of member Governments through the Committee on Managing Globalization, Fourth Session, Part I (Bangkok, 12-14 September 2007)9 Represented ESCAP at International Road Network Plan between the Korean Peninsula and China (7-8 February 2007, Dandong, China).

The key outcomes from (a) UNESCAP Meeting of Chief Executives of National Freight Forwarders and Logistics Associations (New Delhi, 7 July 2008) and (b) UNESCAP Workshop on the Development of Dry Ports and Logistics in the ASEAN subregion (Bangkok, 9-10 September 2008) are being shared at relevant public and private sector forums and/or through UNESCAP-led projects, in collaboration with professional transport bodies and national industry associations in the ESCAP region.10 Represented ESCAP at: (a) 31st IRU World Congress on

9 See ESCAP document E/ESCAP/CMG(4/I)/6 dated 9 August 2007, submitted to the Committee on Managing Globalization, fourth session, Part I (Bangkok, 12-14 September 2007). 10 Selected copies of these meeting reports and other transport related ESCAP publications are available for reference to the delegates attending the Committee. Kindly contact UNESCAP staff at the Publications Desk outside the Conference Room.



Output


continuing basis

“Road Transport, Driving Peace & Prosperity" (Istanbul, 15-16 May 2008); (b) International Conference on Development of Cooperation in Road Transport Communications between Asia and Europe (Tashkent, 16 September 2008); (c) 7th International Conference Trans-Eurasia 2008 (Astana, 24-25 September 2008).

4.3.3. Subregional and regional seminars and workshops, including representatives of the public and private sectors to discuss research findings and to share opinions and experiences

Represented ESCAP at: (a) 27th Japan Road Congress (Tokyo, 1-2 November 2007); (b) Workshop on Asia-Pacific Shipping and Ports: Challenges in Regulation, Strategy & Policy (Singapore, 17-18 December 2007).

Represented ESCAP at: (a) Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) International Conference (Hong Kong, China, 30-31 May 2008); (b) 5th Asia Maritime & Logistics Conference and Exhibition 2008 (Kuala Lumpur, 24-25 June 2008); (c) Asia Traffic Summit (Singapore, 20-21 August 2008).

4.4. Capacity-building in logistics Immediate objective: to enhance national competencies and skills within the logistics industry through sustainable education programmes targeting freight forwarders, multimodal transport operators, logistics service providers and civil servants

4.4.1. Familiarization seminars on the role and development of the logistics industry for senior government officials

Organized Foundation Course on Freight Forwarding and Multimodal Transport (Port Klang, Malaysia, 7-10 September 2007).

4.4.2. Training of trainers workshops and seminars, with training material developed by the secretariat of ESCAP, to develop national capacities and skills

Organized: (a) Foundation Course on Freight Forwarding and Multimodal Transport (Port Klang, Malaysia, 7-10 September 2007); (b) Training of Trainers ( TOT) workshops in Multimodal Transport and Logistics (Colombo, 22-26 January 2007 and 19-20 July 2007; Phnom Penh, 24-27 February 2007; Port Klang, Malaysia, 5-6 September 2007);

Organized Follow-up Training-of-Trainers (TOT) Workshops on Capacity Building in Freight Forwarding and Multimodal Transport: (a) Phnom Penh, 18-22 January 2008, and (b) Colombo, 27-30 June 2008. Provided advisory services and technical assistance to the national freight forwarding and logistics associations in Cambodia (Basic Course in Freight Forwarding and



Output


continuing basis

Multimodal Transport) and Sri Lanka (Certificate level courses in Freight Forwarding and Multimodal Transport). Incorporating ESCAP training material on freight forwarding and multimodal transport, The secretariat will continue to assist other member countries to develop a talented pool of local trainers, and commence their own training programs for junior and middle-level industry professionals. ECO workshop on multimodal transport in collaboration with ESCAP held in Kazakhstan (Astana, 21-22 August 2008). Two additional workshops planned by ECO for Pakistan and Turkey (November 2008)

4.4.3. Support provided to Governments for the establishment of national sustainable programmes in multimodal transport and logistics

Following a collaborative approach of assisting member Governments in developing and/or strengthening their capacity-building programmes in freight forwarding, multimodal transport and logistics , the secretariat assisted national associations in Cambodia, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.

In September 2008, the secretariat assisted the Sri Lanka Freight Forwarders Association (SLFFA) to obtain a validation of their newly developed training program and material from FIATA (The International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations). Similar assistance can be provided to other member countries upon request. In collaboration with national associations and professional transport bodies, the ESCAP secretariat will continue to provide advisory services and/ or technical assistance to member countries towards: (a) developing and/or enhancing sustainable capacity-building programmes in multimodal transport and logistics, (b) facilitating the sharing of resources and training material to promote regional networking, and (c) monitoring the quality and accuracy of training material used in such initiatives.

5. FINANCE AND PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION



Output


continuing basis

Immediate objective: to enhance institutional capabilities for the mobilization of additional funding for investment in the transport sector from traditional and non-traditional sources, including public-private partnerships

5.1. Publish guidelines on financing transport infrastructure and services based on good practices from the region

5.2. Capacity-building activities related to the establishing and strengthening of public-private partnerships and user charging systems as well as the establishment and management of special funds in the transport sector

Represented ESCAP at: (a) International PPP Conference on Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building on Promoting Successful Public-Private Partnerships in UNECE Region (Tel Aviv, 5-8 June 2007).

Project on Public-Private Partnership Alliance Programme to Strengthen Government Capacity, Policy and Institutions to Promote PPPs for Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction (5th tranche of the UN Development Account: development of website including distance learning and other capacity-building material. Represented ESCAP at: (a) First Session of Team of Specialists on Public-Private Partnerships (Geneva, 28-29 February 2008); (b) PPP Seminar: Annual Meeting of Board of Governors of IDB (Jeddah, 1-4 June 2008); (c) Regional Capacity-Building Workshops on the Management of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) Programmes and on the NEPAD Spatial Development Programme (Johannesberg, 23-25 July 2008); (d) Workshops for ADBI’s Flagship Study on Infrastructure and Regional Cooperation (Tokyo, 18-29 February 2008; Bangkok 3-4 July 2008).

5.3. Regional meetings of national public-private partnership units and programmes and networking among them

Organized Asia-Pacific Business Forum in cooperation with the Ministry of Planning and Budget of the Republic of Korea and Korean Development Institute (Seoul, 4 October 2007) and provided support to the Ministerial Conference on Public-Private Partnerships for Infrastructure Development organized by the Korean

A regional workshop and study visit on developing bankable PPP projects for infrastructure development in collaboration with the Asian Institute of Transport Development (AITD) (Vadodara and New Delhi, tentatively scheduled for 24-30 November 2008).



Output


continuing basis

Government (Seoul, 5 October 2007).

5.4. Studies and reports assessing the public-private partnership-readiness of countries

Ongoing refinement of ESCAP PPP-Readiness Assessment Framework.

6. SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENTImmediate objective: to increase awareness and understanding of alternative policy options for sustainable transport by decision-makers

6.1. Inclusion of sustainable transport-related issues in the regular publication of the Review of Developments in Transport in Asia and the Pacific, the Transport and Communications Bulletin for Asia and the Pacific and ad hoc regional transport policy studies

Published: (a) Review of Developments in Transport in Asia and the Pacific11; (b) Transport and Communications Bulletins for Asia and the Pacific, No. 7612 and No. 7713; (c) Statistical abstract of transport in the Asia-Pacific region14.

Preparation of: (a) the Review of Developments in Transport in Asia and the Pacific in 2009; (b) Transport and Communications Bulletins for Asia and the Pacific, Nos. 78 and 79 during the 2008-2009 biennium; (c) updating of the Statistical abstract of transport in the Asia-Pacific region during the 2008-2009 biennium.

6.2. Advisory services, meetings and networking of transport decision makers and advisers on the application of integrated assessment, strategic environmental assessment and related approaches in transport plans, programmes and policies

11 http://www.unescap.org/ttdw/PubsDetail.asp?IDNO=195 12 http://www.unescap.org/ttdw/PubsDetail.asp?IDNO=193 13 http://www.unescap.org/ttdw/PubsDetail.asp?IDNO=194 14 http://www.unescap.org/ttdw/review/statisticalabstract.html



Output


continuing basis

6.3. Studies of alternative policy paths (“regional futures”) towards sustainable transport

7. ROAD SAFETY Immediate objective: to foster better awareness and understanding of road safety issues and potential interventions, and improved international collaboration in Asia and the Pacific

7.1. Meetings to discuss and set regional road safety goals, targets and indicators as a follow-up to the Ministerial Declaration on Improving Road Safety in Asia and the Pacific

Organized Expert Group Meeting on Improving Road Safety on the Asian Highway (Bangkok, 21-22 June 2007). Represented ESCAP and made presentation on at APEC

Automatic Dialogue Road Safety Summit (Adelaide, 25-31 March 2007); (b) represented ESCAP at Remembrance Day for Road Crash Victims (organized by Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation, Bangkok, 18 November 2007).

Made a presentation at Making Roads Safe International Conference on Road Infrastructure Safety (London, 3-4 July 2008). Improving Global Road Safety: Setting Regional and National Road Traffic Casualty Reduction Targets (5th tranche of UN Development Account, led by ECE): organized Expert Group Meeting on Improving Road Safety on the Asian Highway: Targets and Engineering (Bangkok, 27-28 October 2008).

7.2. Coordination of activities of the United Nations road safety collaboration in the ESCAP region, in line with the relevant General Assembly resolutions

Represented ESCAP at: (a) Global Organizing Committee for the First United Nations Global Road Safety Week and 6th UN Road Safety Collaboration Meeting (Muscat, Oman, 26-28 February 2007); (b) represented ESCAP at the following meetings in Geneva: (i) World Youth Assembly (23-24 April 2007); (ii) Global Road Safety Exhibition (23-29 April 2007); (iii) Global Road Safety Stakeholders’ Forum (served as speaker, 25 April 2007); (iv) 2nd IRF Regional Conference on Road Safety (New Delhi, 5-6 October 2007); and discussed possible road safety initiatives, including the road safety projects financed by the UNDA for 2008-2009; (c) made substantive



Output


continuing basis

contributions to UNRSC (United Nations Road Safety Collaboration) activities and working groups; and (d) explored IRAP (International Road Assessment Programme) assessment of Asian Highway Network in ESCAP member states.

7.3. Collaborative website and meetings for sharing of road safety resources, good practices, data and accident risk maps of the Asian Highway

Updated of the Asia-Pacific Road Accident Database 15

Updating of the Asia-Pacific Road Accident Database.

8. TRANSPORT AND THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS Immediate objective: to foster a better understanding of the links among transport interventions, poverty reduction and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals

8.1. Seminars and workshops on transport interventions aimed at achieving the Millennium Development Goals; and informational material on regional good practices in Goal-responsive transport development

8.2. Reviews, analytical and quantitative studies on the links between transport and socio-economic development

15 http://www.unescap.org/ttdw/roadsafety/countrydata.html; http://www.unescap.org/ttdw/roadsafety/countryreports.html; http://www.unescap.org/ttdw/roadsafety/



Output


continuing basis

8.3. Dissemination of information on best practices and interventions designed to improve transport connectivity and access

. . . . .