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EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL
There is no region of the world where disparities of infrastructure development and wealth distribution are
as evident as in the Asia and Pacific region. From the hyper technological metropolis to remote and
inaccessible villages, this vast region is a real challenge for transport planners and operators and certainly
requires innovative and imaginative thinking.
The opening and on-going rapid growth of China, India and other Asian economies have created new chances and
challenges. The revival of the Silk Road is now a matter of economic necessity. Road transport is very often the only
possibility to carry vital foreign trade between Asian states, particularly those that are land-locked.
The urgency for infrastructure development is as evident in Central Asia as it is in New Delhi or Papua New Guinea. It is
crucial to the economic development and the quality of life of every single citizen.
Road safety is still the missing protagonist in the growing demand for mobility that this region is experiencing. If you
think that India alone accounts for 10% of the 1.2 million deaths caused by road accidents, you can easily understand
the size of the problem.
Investment in road infrastructure has been worldwide identified as one of the major tools for reversing the recession
trend in the economy. Substantial financing is certainly needed to secure infrastructure, but we should not forget that
this is only part of the solution. Global processes require global responses. Framework instruments like the ones
developed by the United Nations are essential to address major challenges, such as harmonization of border crossing
procedures or road safety issues. But these instruments must be adjusted to local experiences in order to be effective and
to translate vision into reality.
In this spirit, the International Road Federation has just inaugurated an IRF India Chapter in New Delhi, of which I have
the honour to be the Chairman. The IRF has helped with the years to raise awareness on the specific needs of this region
of the world and encouraged governments to intensify efforts to improve the sustainability of their transport systems.
At the same time it has been instrumental in building the relationship between local authorities and international and
regional organizations. With this new office, the IRF wishes to reinforce and broaden its presence in the region and
ensure that recommendations are translated into practicable action at the earliest.
A famous maxim from Lao Tzu says that a thousand mile journey starts with a single step. This Bulletin will accompany
you in a tour around this promising region
Kiran K. Kapila
Vice Chairman IRF Geneva
Chairman of IRF India Office
IRF BULLETIN SPECIAL EDITION : ASIA & OCEANIA
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