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IRF Members Launch Regional Committee for Central Asia
Against a background of unprecedented connectivity investments bridging East and West, the formation of a regional committee will to assist member organizations gain access to a wider pool of knowledge on regional infrastructure programs, and solutions designed to optimize road investments.
Background
Central Asia is a loosely defined geographic area bridging the eastern fringes of Europe to the borders of China. Common factors between these countries include a shared history of relatively recent transition from planned to market economies, as well as the cross-border impacts of “One Belt, One Road” (OBOR), a transformational connectivity program impulsed by China. Buoyed by new financial instruments, including the New Silk Road Fund and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, OBOR has translated into an investment race as countries across the region position themselves to diversify their economies away from resource dependency, and reap benefits from the new trade routes.
Against this backdrop, the International Road Federation has an essential contribution to make to the design and management standards of new roads that will provide short and long-term benefits in those countries where they are being built. As a cross-industry platform bridging road agencies and other actors already present in the region, IRF is well positioned to establish itself as a regional broker of applied knowledge, ensuring a lasting legacy of sustainable roads and skilled workers.
The formation of a regional committee will provide the necessary focus to IRF’s consultation and outreach efforts.
Objectives & Deliverables
The Regional Committee on Central Asian Affairs is a member-run program designed to assist participating organizations gain access to a wider pool of knowledge on regional infrastructure programs, and solutions designed to optimize road investments.
It will achieve this through a regular flow of information on programs of shared interest, and by steering IRF policy and capacity building initiatives towards priority topics, including but not limited to:
1. Overarching regional transportation policy and investment framework
2. Road safety
3. Road design and construction
4. Road asset management
5. Resilient road infrastructure
6. Mobility management
7. Road user charging
8. Public private partnerships
Governance & Organization
Membership of the Regional Committee is open to all IRF members in good standing. A Committee chairman selected from an organization legally established in the region will set the agenda.
Coordination with IRF’s Technical Committees will be the responsibility of an IRF staff appointed as liaison to the Regional Committee.
For additional information, please contact Zeynep Yurttas, zyurttas@irf.global
