Transport Sector Strategy: Sustainable and Integrated Transport for Trade and Economic Growth in Asia

Background

Asia is a large and geographically diverse continent, with many landlocked countries. Connectivity infrastructure is therefore crucial for trade and economic growth. While a handful of Asian countries have developed world-class transport systems, the transport infrastructure capacity in most other Asian countries remains far below the levels of developed countries. Increasing urbanization and growing traffic demand will add more pressure on largely inadequate transport systems. Available estimates indicate that the investment need for transport infrastructure to support trade and economic growth in Asia is in the magnitude of USD500-900 billion a year.