Enhancing operational connectivity along the Asian Highway network.

 

As acknowledged in the Regional Strategic Framework for theFacilitation of International Road Transport, there remain major gaps in theharmonization of regional standards for international road transport. This is notably the case for weights, dimensions and emissions of road vehicles used in international traffic, as shown in the assessment carried out by the secretariat as part of the project on strengthening the capacity of ESCAP member States to harmonize standards on weights, dimensions and emissions of road vehicles for the facilitation of transport along the network. The differences in these standards create additional transport costs as transport operators need to purchase additional fleet vehicles, increase the number of trips and acquire necessary permits and certificates. 

 The project assessment shows scope for the further harmonization ofstandards concerning freight vehicle dimensions, weights and emissions. However, for harmonization to have a tangible impact, a complete set of complementary measures needs to be considered, including mutual recognition by participating countries of technical inspection certificates and the regional system of weighbridges and measuring stations.

 In parallel to the need to harmonize technical standards, the further liberalization of the traffic rights along the network remains a priority. A major step was taken in this area when the parties to the Intergovernmental Agreementon International Road Transport along the Asian Highway Network (China, Mongolia and the Russian Federation) launched its implementation immediately after the first meeting of the Joint Committee established to supervise the implementation of the Agreement, held on 3 and 4 July 2019 in Manzhouli, China. Another relevant development was the organization of the first meeting of the Joint Committee established under the Agreement of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States on the Facilitation of International Road Transport. The meeting, supported by the secretariat in partnership with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, was held in Xiamen, China, on 13 and 14 December 2018, with the participation of all nine current parties to the Agreement.