Bangkok--Jun 30--UNISBKK
The Intergovernmental Agreement on the Asian Highway Network comes into force on July 4, 2005.
The landmark agreement aims to complete 141,000 kilometres of standardized roadways spanning 32 Asian countries with linkages to Europe. The Asian Highway network will enable direct travel from Tokyo to Istanbul, facilitating trade and tourism and opening up land-locked countries.
"The Agreement marks a major milestone in regional cooperation that will
substantially improve opportunities for trade and tourism," Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) Mr Kim Hak-Su said.
The Intergovernmental Agreement on the Asian Highway Network is the first
treaty developed by UNESCAP and deposited with the UN Secretary-General. It sets technical standards for road and route signage and includes mechanisms for amendments or additional routes. 27 out of the 32 participating member States have signed the agreement.
"16 per cent of the roads are below the minimum standards and an estimated US$18 billion is needed to upgrade and improve the Highway," Mr Kim said.
UNESCAP is working with the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, the Islamic Development Bank and other partners to help countries identify sources for investment.
UNESCAP has been negotiating routes and road specifications for the Asian
Highway Network since 1992.
NOTE TO EDITORS: You or your representatives are cordially invited to
attend the special ceremony to celebrate the entry into force of The Intergovernmental Agreement on the Asian Highway Network. We will provide
a complete media kit with full background information for you.
When: Monday, 4 July, 2005 at 14:00 hours
Where: Conference Room 4 of the UN Conference Centre,
UNESCAP, Rajdamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok
For further information please contact:
UN Information Services Bangkok
Tel: +(66-2) 288-1861-69, Fax: +(66-2) 288-1052
E-mail: [email protected]
http://www.unescap.org/ttdw/index.asp?MenuName=AsianHighway
http://www.unescap.org End.