..Press Release................................ UNESCAP News Services

Date: 11 December 2009
Media Advisory No. N/45/09

Ministers to Consider Proposals to Spur Growth of Asia-Pacific Transport Systems

Region-wide forum to open on 14 December at UN Conference Centre in Bangkok

BANGKOK (UN/ESCAP Information Services) -- Transport ministers from across Asia and the Pacific will gather next week at the United Nations headquarters in Bangkok to discuss proposals for a new intergovernmental agreement that would lead to the creation of a regional network of “dry ports” as an integral part of an integrated transport and logistics system connecting inland economic centres and spurring development growth in the region.

The first session of the Forum of Asian Ministers of Transport will be held from 14 to 18 December at the United Nations Conference Centre against the backdrop of the recent financial crisis, which has increased the urgency with which countries need to address regional integration and ways to increase regional and domestic demand as “new” sources of growth. During the meeting Member States of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) will provide strategic guidance for the development of transport, transit and the improvement of transport capacity in the region, and address the effect of transport on the economy, environment and society.

Taking place concurrently with the Forum will be the Working Group on the Trans-Asian Railway (TAR) network (15 to 16 December) to review the status of implementation of the Intergovernmental Agreement on the TAR network, and policies and issues relating to its development; as well as the Expert Group Meeting on Financing for Transport Infrastructure (16 December) to identify, prioritize and mobilize financial resources for transport infrastructure development in the region.

Seventeen Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Transport have accepted invitations to participate, including those from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Turkey.

Journalists are invited to attend the open sessions, and the ESCAP Information Services will try to assist in arranging interviews with delegates upon request.

To facilitate entrance to the UN Conference Centre please send your name and the news organization you represent in advance to unisbkk.unescap@un.org. Please note that access to the UN Conference Centre gate at the corner of Rajdamnern Avenue is limited to 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Please use the main entrance to the UN compound on Rajdamnern Avenue at all other times.

For more information, please visit the website http://www.unescap.org/ttdw/FAMT/FAMT.asp or contact:

Mr. Barry Cable
Director, ESCAP Transport Division
Tel: +66-2-288-1371
Email: cable.unescap@un.org

Mr. Bentley Jenson
UN/ESCAP Information Services
Tel: +66-2-288-1869
Mobile: +66-84-080-5025
Email: jenson@un.org