Toward an Asian Integrated Transport Network, Monograph Series on Managing Globalization, No. 1 (First Edition)

Globalization is essentially a “story” of technological change coupled with the development and organization of interacting physical and non-physical networks designed to take advantage of the change. Economies of East and South-East Asia, that managed to participate in the fragmented, international production networks that have emerged since the early 1980s, have benefited much from globalization. A necessary requirement for such participation was efficient connection to an integrated, international transport network. Therefore, the ultimate objective of the development of an Integrated Transport Network that covers all of Asia is to spread the benefits of globalization and consequently to reduce the widening income gaps between coastal and inland areas in Asia. This report (a) defines the scope of the proposed network and lays out a broad vision; (b) brings together in one document all relevant information on the status of Asian transport networks, (c) outlines a potential future development; and (d) provides preliminary policy guidance including the role of governments. It provides a conceptual background to the technical, “bottom-up” work of the ESCAP Secretariat that is carried out on a subregional basis, identify specific corridors, routes and intermodal facilities.