Review of sustainable transport connectivity in Asia and the Pacific 2019

Within the transport sector in Asia and the Pacific freight and logistics account for a significant portion of total energy use – in many countries upward of 40% – and a correspondingly large share of CO2 emissions. Furthermore, on account of economic development and population growth, the region is expected to face substantial increases in trade shares and, thus, freight volumes. Accordingly, some estimates suggest that in Asia, ton-kilometres from surface freight will increase by 261% from 2015 to 2050 accounting for over two-thirds of all surface freight globally. Against this background, the Review provides a data-supported overview and insight for policy makers towards accomplishing seamless intermodal freight transport connectivity across key economic, social and environmental dimensions.