Intergovernmental Agreement on the Trans-Asian Railway Network to come into force in June 2009

The Trans-Asian railway network comprises nearly 114,000 km of rail routes linking 28 countries in the region. The aim of the network is to offer efficient rail transport services for the movement of goods and passengers within the region as well as between Asia and Europe. The network will also provide improved access for landlocked countries to major ports. It has been developed under the auspices of the regional arm of the United Nations – the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, hails the entry into force of the Agreement as “another landmark in the development of transport infrastructure for the region.”

“It is an expression by ESCAP member countries of their desire to work closely together, putting in place efficient transport infrastructure across the continent,” says Dr. Heyzer. “The Agreement provides an important framework for the coordinated development of major rail routes across Asia and will help attract related investments” The Agreement was opened for signature November 2006 during the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Transport at Busan, Republic of Korea. It has now been signed by 22 countries.

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Source: UNESCAP