The provision of efficient, reliable and affordable shipping services to, from, between and with island and archipelagic developing countries presents a number of unique constraints and challenges. Such a provision, however, is vital in helping to bring about economic and social benefits to the people living in Asia and the Pacific. Inter-island shipping is one of the key areas of ESCAP’s work in the field of transport and ESCAP has been advocating for policies to strengthen inter-island shipping and logistics in the Pacific Island Countries, including through high level meeting gathering countries and specialized agencies and organizations active in the region.