Pressing on with trans-Asian railway network
The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia (UNESCAP) and the Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail (OTIF) have signed a MoU connected to their common wish to develop rail transport in Asia, particularly in Southeast Asia.
The development of rail-borne trade depends to a great extent on the international regulatory environment and the efficient multilateral framework it can provide. The two NGOs have therefore agreed to cooperate in several different areas.
The MoU's main objectives are, inter alia, to put the trans-Asian railway network into operation, to improve the railways' competitiveness in the transport market, to promote use of digital technologies across all railway operations, and to assist UNESCAP and OTIF's member countries in their efforts to develop rail transport. (ben)