Forging Sub-Regional Links in Transportation and Logistics in South Asia Book

One of the fundamental objectives of this report is to use an analytic framework to identify key transport and logistics impediments that have left the South Asian region lagging behind in economic growth. A closely linked objective is to improve the access of the landlocked areas in the South Asia sub-region, specifically Nepal, Bhutan, and northeast India, to regional and international markets. The report is organized as follows: Chapter 1 provides a socioeconomic and economic growth profile for the sub-region, the challenges faced by landlocked regions in accessing regional and international markets, and regional and international trade patterns in light of the transport and logistics constraints. Chapter 2 examines specific impediments in the transport logistics chain of selected strategic commodity movement in the context of regional and international trade. It focuses on constraints with line-haul movement and impediments at border crossings and at ports. Chapter 3 compares existing routes with alternative ones, both for the movement of commodities within the region and to international markets. Chapter 4 highlights the constraints faced by private businesses, freight forwarders, exporters and importers, and shippers in the sub-region. Chapter 5 summarizes key constraints and suggests short-term and long-term options. Chapter 6 outlines a preliminary agenda for discussion in the sub-region.