E/ESCAP/FAMT/SGO/INF/1 17 November 2009 ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

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1 FOR PARTICIPANTS ONLY E/ESCAP/FAMT/SGO/INF/1 17 November 2009 ENGLISH ONLY ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC Forum of Asian Ministers of Transport Meeting of Senior Government Officials December 2009 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, , of the Busan Declaration on Transport Development in Asia and the Pacific. It is intended to provide participants with additional information relating to the document to be considered under item 4 of the provisional agenda (E/ESCAP/FAMT/SGO/1). This document has been issued without formal editing. DMR A TP DP DI FAMT_SGO_INF1

2 Page 1 SUMMARY OF THE CURRENT STATUS OF ACTIVITIES IMPLEMENTED BY THE ESCAP SECRETARIAT UNDER THE REGIONAL ACTION PROGRAMME ( ) OF THE BUSAN DECLARATION ON TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC (January 2007-November 2009) 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 Regular scheduled meetings of Asian Ministers of Transport The secretariat conducted desk research and prepared document Organization and Format of a Forum of Asian Ministers of Transport (E/ESCAP/CMG(4/I)/5 dated 3 August 2007) for the consideration of Committee on Managing Globalization, Part I, fourth session (Bangkok, 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 (E/ESCAP/64/5, para. 47). The Commission, sixty-fourth session, 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 The first session of the Forum of Asian Ministers of Transport will be organized by the secretariat (Bangkok, December 2009), comprising two segments, namely meeting of senior government officials from December, and meeting of ministers on December.

3 Page Ministerial consideration and direction to transport policies in the region members to host sessions of the Forum. The Committee on Transport, first session (Bangkok (29-31 October 2008), reviewed the proposed agenda of the first session of the Forum (E/ESCAP/CTR/6 dated 5 September 2008). The Commission adopted resolutions 63/9 of 23 May 2007 on Implementation of the Busan Declaration on Transport Development in Asia and the Pacific and the Regional Action Programme for Transport Development in Asia and the Pacific, phase I ( ); 64/4 of 30 April 2008 on Implementation of the Seoul Declaration on Public-Private Partnerships for Infrastructure Development in Asia and the Pacific; and 64/5 of 30 April 2008 on Establishment of the Forum of Asian Ministers of Transport. The first session of the Forum of the Asian Ministers of Transport (Bangkok, December 2009) is expected to culminate in the adoption of the Bangkok Declaration on Transport Development in Asia, reaffirming the commitment of member States to achieving economic and social development through interventions in the transport sector particularly towards the realization of a long-term vision of an international integrated intermodal transport and logistics system. 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 Meetings of the Working Group on the Asian Highway The Intergovernmental Agreement on Asian Highway Network which entered into force on 4 July 2005 established the Working Group on the Asian Highway. In 2008, Lao People s Democratic Republic ratified the Agreement, bringing the total to 28 signatories, of which 23 are parties to the Agreement. To date, the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Asian Highway Network has been signed by 29 countries, 25 of which are parties to the Agreement (with Bangladesh and Islamic Republic of Iran having ratified it on 10 August 2009 and 3 November 2009, respectively)

4 Page Updated Asian Highway maps and database The secretariat organized Second Meeting of the Working Group on the Asian Highway (Bangkok, 15 November 2007). 2 The secretariat updated the Asian Highway map, 4 and the Asian Highway database. 5 The secretariat organized Third Meeting of the Working Group on the Asian Highway (Bangkok, 4 September 2009). 3 Updating of the Asian Highway Map 6 and Asian Highway database 7 is ongoing on a Investment studies on Asian Highway Network The secretariat organized: (a) Regional Workshop on Upgrading of Asian Highway Priority Routes (Bangkok, June 2007); and (b) Asian Highway Investment Forum (Bangkok, 16 November 2007). Within the framework of the Project on Promotion and Development of Asian Highway: Upgrading of the Asian Highway Priority Routes: the secretariat 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)

5 Page 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 Meetings of the Working Group on the Trans-Asian Railway Network The Intergovernmental Agreement on the Trans-Asian Railway Network which entered into force on 11 June 2009 established the Working Group on the Trans-Asian Railway Network. To date, there are 22 signatories, of which twelve are parties to the Agreement Cooperation among railway organizations on the Trans-Asian Railway routes and operationalization of rail transport services Project on Operationalization of international intermodal transport corridors in North-East and Central Asia: six intermodal transport corridors were identified for the comparative study; project team and focal points in member countries established; questionnaire sent to the nominated focal points for collection of data; mission fielded to Beijing/Erenhot (20-22 October 2008) and Ulaanbaatar (22-25 October 2008), (a) to meet and discuss with officials of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, highway and railway authorities and representatives of the private sector regarding development of international intermodal transport corridors in China; (b) to conduct site visits to selected borders crossings and ICDs along the selected sections of the corridor for its assessment; and (c) to assess and collect further data and information for the comparative study. The First Working Group on the Trans-Asian Railway Network will be organized by the secretariat (Bangkok, December 2009). Project on Operationalization of International Intermodal Transport Corridors in North-East and Central Asia: three of the six intermodal transport corridors identified for the comparative study have been agreed by the Policy-level Expert Group Meeting on Operationalization of International Intermodal Transport Corridors in North- East and Central Asia (Tashkent, 4-5 March 2009), for further in-depth study, development of draft MOU for specific corridor, and organization of a demonstration run of transport operation along the agreed corridors. 9 In this connection, the secretariat fielded mission to Turkmenistan (29 June-2 July 2009) and Uzbekistan (3-4 July 2009) to meet and discuss with government officials and private sector operators and to collect data for the project in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, to undertake site visit to Alat/Farap land border crossing between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan and Bukhara ICD (3 July

6 Page 5 The secretariat was represented at: (a) Annual Conference of CEOs and Executive Officers of Railway Industries (Kuala Lumpur, 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) 2 nd Asian Railway Summit and UIC Asia Regional Assembly Meeting (New Delhi, 21 March 2007); (e) Asia Pacific Rail 2007 (Hong Kong, China, March 2007); (f) 2 nd Railway Assembly for UIC Middle-East Railways (Esfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran, May 2007); (g) 9 th Meeting of Heads of Railways of ECO region (Astana, June 2007); (h) International Conference and Exhibition Rail Tech Russia 2007 (Moscow, June 2007); (i) 9 th 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, October 2007); (k) 4th Meeting of Chief Executive of Railways (Bangkok, 3-4 November 2007). The secretariat extended collaboration to the organizers in organizing Korea Railways and Logistics Fair 2007 (Busan, Republic of Korea, May 2007). 2009). In addition, the secretariat organized the Expert Group Meeting to Develop Corridor Based Cooperative Arrangement for Operationalization of International Intermodal Transport Corridors in North-East and Central Asia (Bishkek, 4-5 November 2009), which agreed on the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) proposed for establishment of corridor based cooperative mechanism among countries along the specific corridors. 10 The secretariat was represented at: (a) First Meeting of UIC Working Group on International Rail Corridors (Paris, 14 March 2008); (b) Annual Meeting of Commission on Freight Transport of the Organization of Railways Cooperation (OSJD) (Warsaw, 7-10 October 2008); (c) 10 th Special Working Group on the Singapore- Kunming Rail Link Project (Kuala Lumpur, October 2008); (d) Viet Traffic 2008 (Hanoi, October 2008); (e) 5 th Meeting of Chief Executives of Railways of South and South-East Asia (Halong, Viet Nam, 3-4 November 2008), and site visit with all officials; (f) opening ceremony of the railway line from Nongkhai to Thanaleng (Nong Kha, Thailand, 5 March 2009); (g) International Symposium on Railway Development in Nepal (Kathmandu, 3 May 2009), serving as a speaker; (h) Fifth Euro-Asia Road Transport Conference (Almaty, 9-12 June 2009); (i) OSCE-UNECE-CIT Seminar on Increasing Cooperation at Railway Border Crossings in Central Asia (Balkanabat, 1-2 July 2009); (j) 11 th Special Working Group Meeting on the Singapore-Kunming Rail Link Project (Hanoi, 5 October 2009). 10

7 Page Updated Trans-Asian Railway maps and the establishment of a database The secretariat updated the Map of the Trans-Asian Railway Network and established the Trans-Asian Railway database for incorporation into GIS database. The secretariat extended collaboration towards the organization of Korea Railways and Logistics Fair 2009 (Busan, Republic of Korea, 3-6 June 2009), involving setting up a booth on the Trans-Asian Railway Network. Updating of the Map of the Trans-Asian Railway Network and database is ongoing on a Investment studies on Trans-Asian Railway Network Project on Identifying Investment Needs and Development Priorities for the Trans-Asian Railway Network: the secretariat organized: (a) Subregional Workshop on Identifying Investment Needs and Development Priorities for the Trans-Asian Railway Network (New Delhi, 13 December 2007); (b) 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 (c) 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, May 2008). Project on Identifying Investment Needs and Development Priorities for the Trans-Asian Railway Network: the secretariat prepared a publication entitled Priority Investment Needs for the Development of the Trans-Asian Railway Network (2009). 11

8 E/ESCAP/FAMT/SGO/INF/1 Page 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 Intermodal studies and forecasts to provide a regional context for national transport planning and regional policy development The secretariat 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: the secretariat published Regional container shipping and port development strategies: container traffic forecast: 2007 updates (ST/ESCAP/2484). 12 The secretariat prepared Integrated Transport Planning Model (ITPM) Manual Version 4.0, including CD-ROM, in cooperation with the Korea Maritime Institute (KMI). The ITPM is an extension of the Maritime Policy Planning Model (MPPM), which can be applied to creating forecasts of intermodal container traffic and investment requirements for seaports, dry ports and inland container depots, thereby providing a regional context for national intermodal transport planning and regional policy development 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 Evaluation of potential for dry ports development in the ASEAN subregion and comprehensive review of the main dry ports in Asia: the secretariat organized UNESCAP Workshop on the Development of Dry port and logistics in the ASEAN subregion (Bangkok, 9-10 September 2008). In addition, the secretariat published Logistics Sector Developments: Planning Models for Enterprises and Logistics Clusters (2007), 13 to provide useful references on the development of dry ports and logistics centres. Project on Promoting the Role of the Asian Highway and Trans-Asian Railway: Intermodal Interfaces as Focus for Development: the secretariat prepared a publication entitled Policy framework for the development of intermodal interfaces as part of an integrated transport system in the ESCAP region (2009). Project 2048: Evaluation of potential for dry ports development in the ASEAN subregion and comprehensive review of the main dry ports in Asia: the secretariat carried out desk research, and fielded missions to Cambodia (3-4 February 2009) and Malaysia (16-20 February 2009) to meet and discuss with officials at the Ministry of Transport regarding the development of dry ESCAP and Korea Maritime Institute, Logistics Sector Developments: Planning Models for Enterprises and Logistics Clusters (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.07.II.F.23, 2008), available at

9 Page Investment forums to establish networks to improve the exchange of information on the business and investment environment, ideas and experiences The secretariat organized Asian Highway Investment Forum (Bangkok, 16 November 2007). 14 ports/icds in Malaysia, as well as to undertake site visits to selected dry ports/icds, and assess and collect further data and information for the study. The study on Development of Dry Ports has been prepared. Expert Group Meeting on Financing for Transport Infrastructure will be organized by the secretariat (Bangkok, 16 December 2009) Joint meetings of the working groups on the Asian Highway and Trans-Asian Railway The joint meeting of the working groups of the Asian Highway and Trans-Asian Railway is planned for the biennium 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: the secretariat organized Subregional Workshop for ASEAN on the Development of Intermodal Interfaces (Bangkok, August 2007); and (b) Subregional Workshop for South Asia on the Development of Intermodal Interfaces (New Delhi, December 2007); (c) Subregional Workshops on the Development of Intermodal Interfaces for the countries of: (i) the Caucasus Region, Central Asia, and Afghanistan, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Turkey (Tehran, February 2008); and (ii) North and North-East Asia (Ulaanbaatar, May 2008); and (d) Regional Meeting on Promoting the Role of Asian Highway and Trans-Asian Railway: Intermodal 14

10 Page 9 Interfaces for Development (Bangkok, June 2008). Project on Regional Intermodal Transport Planning, phases I and II: the secretariat organized National Workshops on Intermodal Transport Planning (Ulaanbaatar, September 2007; Vientiane, November 2007). United Nations Development Account Project on Interregional Transport Linkages: the secretariat organized; (a) Inter-regional seminar on economic assessment of international transport linkages and transport facilitation (Cairo, June 2007); and (b) Final Seminar of the Interregional Transport Linkages Project: Best Practices and Lessons Learnt from the Project (Abu Dhabi, October 2007). In addition, UNECE/UNESCAP joint study on Euro-Asian Transport Linkages was published. The secretariat organized ESCAP/KMI/SPC joint workshop on maritime trade and shipping services in the Pacific (Suva, 26 September 2008). Other related activities: the secretariat was represented at: (a) KOTI International Conference on Promoting Strategy of Multimodal Transport in North-East Asia (Vladivostok, July 2007); and (b) 4 th China International Container and Intermodal Transportation Forum (Tianjin, China, 5-6 September 2008).

11 Page Management and maintenance of transport infrastructure Immediate objective: to improve national capacities in the management and maintenance of transport infrastructure Publication of guidelines, including examples of regional best practices on the management and maintenance of transport infrastructure Capacity-building through seminars, workshops and training activities The secretariat organized Seminar on Road Maintenance in Asia (Bangkok, 4 September 2009). 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 Guidelines on establishing or strengthening national facilitation coordinating mechanisms refined and published The secretariat published Study on national coordination mechanisms for trade and transport facilitation in the UNESCAP Region (2007) Workshops, seminars and advisory services for establishing or strengthening national facilitation coordinating mechanisms The secretariat organized National Workshops-cum- Advisory Services on facilitation of interregional transport along Euro-Asian transport linkages (Islamabad, August 2007; Tehran, October 2007). The secretariat provided advisory services to the National Trade and Transport Facilitation Committee (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 30 June-1 July 2008), and provided information to the committees in the Lao People s Democratic Republic and Mongolia. The secretariat organized: (a) Training on Strengthening National Trade and Transport Facilitation Coordination Mechanisms (Ulaanbaatar, 1 July 2009); and (b) Workshop on Facilitation Coordination Mechanisms (Almaty, 14 August 2009). 15

12 Page 11 The secretariat was represented at: (a) ECE s 20 th Working Party on Transport Trends and Economics; (b) First Informal Experts Meeting on Euro-Asian Transport Links and Workshop on Euro-Asian Transport Links (Geneva, September 2007); (c) Ministerial Meeting on Euro-Asian Transport Links (Geneva, February 2008) Regional and subregional fora of national facilitation coordinating mechanisms The secretariat was represented at International Road Federation Conference on Black Sea and Silk Road (Istanbul, May 2007). As initiated by the ESCAP secretariat, the ADB with the assistance of the secretariat organized a CAREC meeting on national coordinating mechanisms (Ulaanbaatar, 2-6 May 2009) Legal frameworks for international transport Immediate objective: to assist countries in putting in place suitable legal regimes to facilitate international land transport Study on the implementation of The secretariat undertook a study on the implementation Commission resolution 48/11 on road of resolution 48/11 on road and rail transport modes in and rail transport modes in relation to relation to facilitation measures, and included the study facilitation measures and the possible in the publication Towards a Harmonized Legal Regime inclusion of additional conventions on Transport Facilitation in the ESCAP Region Guidelines (see also below) Workshops, seminars and advisory services on accession to, and implementation of, major international facilitation conventions The secretariat organized seminar on facilitation of international road transport (Urumqi, China, August 2007).

13 Page Guidelines on the formulation and implementation of agreements for international land transport The secretariat published study on Towards a Harmonized Legal Regime on Transport Facilitation in the ESCAP Region Guidelines Meetings, training courses and studies on the formulation and implementation of subregional agreements on the facilitation of international land transport Technical Assistance for Formulating and Implementing an Intergovernmental Agreement of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States on Facilitation of International Road Transport: the secretariat organized Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Negotiating Meetings on the Agreement between the Governments of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States on Facilitation of International Road Transport (Beijing, January 2007; Bishkek, July 2007; Beijing, December 2007; and Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, June 2008, respectively). In addition the secretariat attended the Expert Group Meeting on Finalization of the SCO Facilitation Agreement (Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation, November 2008) and roundtable on prospects of cooperation in the field of transport among the member States of the SCO (14 November 2008). The secretariat conducted a study on legal regimes for inter-state and transit transport. Study on Pricing of Customs Documents under the GMS CBTA: a range of follow-up activities led to the opening of the cross-border traffic along the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC), in line with the GMS CBTA. On 11 June 2009, transport ministers of Lao People s Democratic Republic, Thailand and Viet Nam officially opened trilateral cross-border land transport operation along the EWEC under the GMS CBTA at Savannakhet (Lao People s Democratic Republic), Lao Bao (Viet Nam) and Mukdahan (Thailand), launching the use of the GMS Road Transport Permit (finalized by ADB) and GMS Customs Transit and Temporary Admission System (CTS) (revised and finalized by ESCAP). At the request of ADB, the secretariat is extending further assistance to the operation of the GMS CTS. In this connection, the secretariat was represented at: (a) Finalizing arrangements for traffic rights and guarantee system for implementing CBTA (Dalat, Viet Nam, February 2009); (b) First Joint Task Force Meeting on Implementing Tripartite MOU along the East-West Economic Corridor (Luang Prabang, Lao PDR, 1-2 April 2009); (c) Second Meeting 16 ST/ESCAP/2489, December 2007,

14 Page 13 Study on Pricing of Customs Documents under GMS Cross-Border Transport Agreement (CBTA), initially for the East-West Economic Corridor, (funded by ADB), involving: (a) fielding mission to Lao People s Democratic Republic (18-22 November 2007) and Viet Nam (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; (b) 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 ESCAP at ADB/ESCAP 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, May 2008). The studies on the CBTA were used by the potential guaranteeing organizations, Customs authorities and transport ministries in the negotiation of MOU for the implementation of the GMS Customs transit system (Chengdu, 2-3 April 2008; Chiang Mai, Thailand, 29 July 1 August 2008) and at the First WG Meeting on Issuing/Guaranteeing Organizations on GMS Customs Transit System (ADB) (Hua Hin, Thailand, 7-9 October 2008), when the secretariat provided technical assistance. of Issuing/Guaranteeing Organizations on GMS Customs Transit System to be applied along the East-West Economic Corridor (Khon Kaen, Thailand, 12 May 2009); (d) Second Joint Task Force Meeting on Implementing Tripartite MOU on Exchange of Traffic Rights and Relevant Customs Issues along the East-West Economic Corridor as a resource person (13-14 May 2009); (e) Preparation of Training (26 May 2009) and Training on GMS Customs Transit and Temporary Admission System (CTS) (Bangkok, May 2009). Technical Assistance for Formulating and Implementing an Intergovernmental Agreement of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States on Facilitation of International Road Transport: the secretariat discussed key issues relating to the formulation of annexes to the SCO Road Facilitation Agreement with the Russian Federation (Moscow, 1 June 2009), attended Expert Group Meeting on Preparation of Annexes to SCO Road Facilitation Agreement and 4th Meeting of SCO Transport Ministers (Moscow, 2-4 June 2009), and presented a paper to the Round-table on Barriers for International Asia-Europe Road Transport relating to the transport linkages of the SCO member States (5 June 2009). In this connection, the secretariat has undertaken a study on draft annexes to the Agreement, with the draft report having been prepared in Chinese, English and Russian. The ECO Transit Transport Agreement: the secretariat attended the 4 th Meeting of Transit Transport Coordination Council and its technical committees (Astana, Kazakhstan, 3-6 November 2009), and provided recommendations on

15 Page 14 the use of transport network, transport permits, transit charges and application of ESCAP time-cost distance methodology. The secretariat was represented at 8 th Transport Sector Coordinating Committee (Ulaanbaatar, June 2009) Application of new technologies 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 Study on the impact of new technologies, including information and communication technology, on border controls and international transport The secretariat undertook a study on ICT application in facilitating the movement of goods through transport corridors and border crossings Workshops and seminars on application of new technologies to border controls and international transport The secretariat provided advisory services on international law for officials from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other line ministries of the Lao People s Democratic Republic at University of Chiang Mai (Chiang Mai, Thailand, 7-8 May 2007).

16 Page 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 Refinement of facilitation diagnostic and monitoring tools The ESCAP 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). The methodology has been translated into Arabic, Chinese, French and Russian to ease its application in non-english speaking countries. The toolkit has been disseminated to a large number of national organizations and some international organizations and financing institutions, including the World Bank, ADB and the International Road Transport Union. The secretariat issued Transit Transport Route Analysis The Use of the UNESCAP Time-Cost/Distance Methodology (2009) Workshops, seminars and training courses on the application of facilitation diagnostic and monitoring tools The secretariat 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, November 2007); and (c) ADB/UNESCAP Workshop on Performance Measurement of the GMS Economic Corridors (Bangkok, November 2008).

17 Page Transport operator skills upgrading Immediate objective: to assist countries in upgrading the capacity of professionals to undertake international land transport operations Promotion and regional networking of national training centres for international land transport The secretariat presented a paper on integrated bordercrossing management at CAREC Seminar on Joint Customs Control (Guangzhuo, China, February 2009); and participated in the 5 th IRU Euro-Asian Road Transport Conference (Almaty, June 2009). The secretariat co-organized ECLAC/ESCAP/KMI Joint Interregional Seminar on Container Trade between Latin America and the Caribbean and Asia Pacific (Panama City, October 2009) Content of training courses and materials for international land transport recommended The secretariat assisted ADB in preparing training materials on the implementation of the GMS Cross- Border Transport Agreement along the East-West Economic Corridor Training of trainers courses for international land transport The secretariat assisted ADB in delivering the training course on the implementation of the GMS Cross-Border Transport Agreement along the East-West Economic Corridor (Bangkok, 30 May 2009). 4. TRANSPORT LOGISTICS 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 The publication of codes of conduct and minimum standards based on best practices and experience in registration The secretariat conducted desk research, and several National Associations provided information on their standard trading conditions and criteria for membership. The issue of common minimum industry standards The ESCAP secretariat continues 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.

18 Page 17 requirements and liability regimes for the operations of freight forwarders, multimodal transport operators and logistics services providers 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 Associations (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 Development of logistics service centres Immediate objective: to promote the development of efficient logistics service centres and clusters throughout the region The publication of research and study Research and study on the logistics centres included Project on Evaluation of potential for dry ports findings on corridor development and under the wider umbrella of dry ports (ref: 2.3.2) and development in the ASEAN subregion and comprehensive best practices for the operation of the infrastructure aspects and the facilitation aspects review of the main dry ports in Asia (ref ). logistics service centres have been dealt with in an integrated manner. The interim results of research and studies relating to dry ports/logistics centres and transport corridors were 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 Association of Maritime Economists

19 Page 18 (IAME) 2008 Annual Conference (Dalian, China, 2-4 April 2008), (c) International Forum on Shipping, Ports and Airports (IFSPA), (Hong Kong, May 2008,), (d) Foreign Trade Logistics Conference ( Mersin, Turkey, October 2008). The secretariat undertook site visit to ports and dry ports in Viet Nam (13-16 October 2008) 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 Regional meetings of national freight forwarders, multimodal transport operators, logistics service providers and shipowner associations The secretariat organized self-funded regional meetings: (a) ESCAP Meeting of Executives of National Freight Forwarders and Logistics Association (Bangkok, 20 June 2007); (b) ESCAP Regional Forum of Freight Forwarders, Multimodal Transport Operators and Logistics Service Providers (Bangkok, 22 June 2007); (c) ESCAP Meeting of Chief Executives of National Freight Forwarders and Logistics Associations (New Delhi, 7 July 2008); and (b) ESCAP Regional Forum of Freight Forwarders, Multimodal Transport Operators and Logistics Service Providers (New Delhi, 9 July 2008) The secretariat organized self-funded regional meetings: (a) ESCAP Meeting of Chief Executives of National Freight Forwarders and Logistics Associations (Bangkok, 2 June 2009), and ESCAP Regional Forum of Freight Forwarders, Multimodal Transport Operators and Logistics Service Providers (Bangkok, 4 June 2009) The sharing of private sector experiences with Governments through meetings and publications The key outcomes of the ESCAP Meeting of Executives of National Freight Forwarders and Logistics Associations were brought to the attention of member Governments through the Committee on Managing The key outcomes of the ESCAP Meeting of Chief Executives of National Freight Forwarders and Logistics Associations (Bangkok, 2 June 2009), and ESCAP Regional Forum of Freight Forwarders, Multimodal

20 Page Subregional and regional seminars and workshops, including representatives of the public and private sectors to discuss research findings and to share opinions and experiences Globalization, fourth session, Part I (Bangkok, September 2007). 17 The key outcomes from (a) ESCAP Meeting of Chief Executives of National Freight Forwarders and Logistics Associations (New Delhi, 7 July 2008) and (b) ESCAP Workshop on the Development of Dry Ports and Logistics in the ASEAN subregion (Bangkok, 9-10 September 2008) have been shared at relevant public and private sector forums and/or through ESCAP-led projects, in collaboration with professional transport bodies and national industry associations in the ESCAP region. The secretariat was represented at: (a) International Road Network Plan between the Korean Peninsula and China (7-8 February 2007, Dandong, China); (b) 31 st IRU World Congress on Road Transport, Driving Peace & Prosperity" (Istanbul, May 2008); (c) International Conference on Development of Cooperation in Road Transport Communications between Asia and Europe (Tashkent, 16 September 2008); (d) 7 th International Conference Trans-Eurasia 2008 (Astana, September 2008). The secretariat was represented at: (a) 27 th Japan Road Congress (Tokyo, 1-2 November 2007); (b) Workshop on Asia-Pacific Shipping and Ports: Challenges in Regulation, Strategy & Policy (Singapore, December 2007); (c) Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) International Conference (Hong Kong, China, May 2008); (d) 5th Asia Maritime Transport Operators and Logistics Service Providers (Bangkok, 4 June 2009) will be brought to the attention of the Forum of Asian Ministers of Transport (Bangkok, December 2009; document E/ESCAP/FAMT/SGO/4). 17 Document E/ESCAP/CMG(4/I)/6 dated 9 August 2007, submitted to the Committee on Managing Globalization, fourth session, Part I (Bangkok, September 2007).

21 Page 20 & Logistics Conference and Exhibition 2008 (Kuala Lumpur, June 2008); (e) Asia Traffic Summit (Singapore, August 2008) 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 Familiarization seminars on the role and development of the logistics industry for senior government officials The secretariat organized Foundation Course on Freight Forwarding and Multimodal Transport (Port Klang, Malaysia, 7-10 September 2007) Training of trainers workshops and seminars, with training material developed by the secretariat of ESCAP, to develop national capacities and skills The secretariat organized: (a) Foundation Course on Freight Forwarding and Multimodal Transport (Port Klang, Malaysia, 7-10 September 2007); (b) Trainingof- Trainers workshops in Multimodal Transport and Logistics (Colombo, January 2007 and July 2007; Phnom Penh, February 2007; Port Klang, Malaysia, 5-6 September 2007); (c) Follow-up Trainingof-Trainers Workshops on Capacity Building in Freight Forwarding and Multimodal Transport: (a) Phnom Penh, January 2008, and (b) Colombo, June The secretariat extended technical assistance towards organizing ECO workshop on multimodal transport (Astana, August 2008). Incorporating ESCAP training material on freight forwarding and multimodal transport, the secretariat continues to assist other member countries to develop a talented pool of local trainers for their training programmes for junior and middle-level industry professionals. This includes organizing: (a) National Workshop on Training of Trainers in Multimodal Transport and Logistics (Manila, 2-4 March 2009); (b) National Workshop on Foundation Course in Freight Forwarding, Multimodal Transport, Logistics and Supply Chain Management (Manila, 5-7 March 2009); (c) National Training of Trainers Workshops on Freight Forwarding, Multimodal Transport and Logistics (Ulaanbaatar, 29 June-3 July 2009; Kathmandu, July 2009; Almaty, August 2009; Yangon, 1-3 September 2009; Jakarta, 2-6 November 2009; Chittagong, November 2009; Ulaanbaatar, 2-4 December 2009); (d) Regional Training-of-Trainer (TOT)

22 Page 21 workshop on Transport and Logistics (Bangkok, November 2009) 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. The secretariat provided advisory services to: (a) the Cambodia Freight Forwarders Association (CAMFFA) on capacity building in freight forwarding and multimodal transport (Phnom Penh, January 2008); and (b) the Sri Lanka Freight Forwarders Association on evaluation of training courses already undertaken, reviewing the progress of the trainers and getting training programme validated by FIATA (Colombo, June 2008). 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). In collaboration with national associations and professional transport bodies, the secretariat continues 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. The secretariat provided advisory services and assisted Cambodian National Freight Forwarders Association to strengthen training programme using UNESCAP training material on freight forwarding, multimodal transport and logistics for policy makers and industry (Phnom Penh, February 2009). The secretariat provided advisory services to the Philippines on capacity building in freight forwarding, multimodal transport and logistics, including Training of Trainers Workshop on Freight Forwarding, Multimodal Transport, Logistics and Supply Chain Management and Foundation Course in Freight Forwarding, Multimodal Transport, Logistics and Supply Chain Management (Manila, 2-7 March 2009). The secretariat served as guest speaker at International Symposium on Changes and Prospects of Shipping and Ports Logistics Environment (Seoul, 9 July 2009).

23 Page 22 The secretariat issued UNESCAP Foundation Course on Multimodal Transport and Logistics: Study Guide (2009). 5. FINANCE AND PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION 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 The secretariat issued Guidebook on Public-Private Partnership Projects (2009) 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 Project on Public-Private Partnership Alliance Programme to Strengthen Government Capacity, Policy and Institutions to Promote PPPs for Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction (5 th tranche of the UN Development Account: development of the related website, including distance learning and other capacitybuilding material was in progress. The secretariat was represented 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); (b) First Session of Team of Specialists on Public-Private Partnerships (Geneva, February 2008); (c) PPP Seminar: Annual Meeting of Board of Governors of IDB (Jeddah, 1-4 June 2008); (d) Regional Capacity-Building Workshops on the Management of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) Programmes and on the NEPAD Spatial Development Programme (Johannesberg, July 2008); (e) Workshops for Project on Public-Private Partnership Alliance Programme to Strengthen Government Capacity, Policy and Institutions to Promote PPPs for Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction (5 th tranche of the United Nations Development Account): (a) the secretariat developed resource and training materials on PPPs, for use in online training course. 18 So far, three courses on Model Concession Contracts ran between March and July 2009; and (b) ESCAP-commissioned case studies on streamlining the PPP management processes in Bangladesh, the Philippines and Maharashtra India, have been used at workshops, including at the Interregional Expert Group Meeting on Public-Private Partnerships in Infrastructure Development (Bangkok, February 2009). 18

24 Page Regional meetings of national publicprivate partnership units and programmes and networking among them ADBI s Flagship Study on Infrastructure and Regional Cooperation (Tokyo, February 2008; Bangkok 3-4 July 2008). The secretariat 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 Government (Seoul, 5 October 2007). Organized Regional Workshop on Developing Bankable PPP Projects for Infrastructure Development and field visits to PPP projects (in collaboration with AITD) (Vadodara, New Delhi, November 2008), whereby officials and experts involved in PPP project implementation from ministries and government departments/agencies and PPP units from 13 member governments were trained in developing bankable projects considering financial viability, and legal and contractual, project marketing and administrative matters. They also gained from first-hand knowledge of selected PPP projects and networking opportunities with their peers. The secretariat organized Interregional Expert Group Meeting on Public-Private Partnerships in Infrastructure Development (Bangkok, February 2009), whereby officials and experts involved in PPP project implementation from ministries and government departments/agencies and PPP units from 19 member governments from ECA, ECE and ESCAP regions, inter alia, emphasized the need for developing the capacity of public officials in implementing successful PPP programmes; and recalled ESCAP resolution 64/4 on Implementation of the Seoul Declaration on Public-Private Partnerships for Infrastructure Development in Asia and the Pacific Studies and reports assessing the public-private partnership-readiness of countries Ongoing refinement of ESCAP PPP-Readiness Assessment Framework. The ESCAP-developed analytical tool for assessment of a country s PPP-readiness provides an easy way to assess country s ability to implement PPP projects and prepare an action plan to overcome deficiencies in related areas