A UN treaty under UNESCAP aiming to standardize and promote dry port development across the Asia-Pacific region.
Key Facts
- Treaty year
- 2013
- Administering body
- UNESCAP
- Geographic scope
- Asia-Pacific region
- Eligibility for ratification
- Any UNESCAP member state
Cause → Event → Consequence
Growing demand for inland freight hubs and the need for coordinated infrastructure investment in the Asia-Pacific region prompted UNESCAP member states to seek a formal multilateral framework. The absence of internationally recognized standards for dry ports hindered cross-border logistics efficiency and private investment in inland container depots.
In 2013, under the auspices of UNESCAP, member states concluded the Intergovernmental Agreement on Dry Ports. The treaty established a framework for international recognition of dry ports, with the stated goals of facilitating infrastructure investment, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing the environmental sustainability of transport in the Asia-Pacific region.
By opening the agreement to ratification by all UNESCAP member states, the treaty created a legal basis for harmonized dry port standards and cooperative development across Asia and the Pacific. This framework was intended to attract investment, reduce congestion at seaports, and lower the environmental footprint of regional freight transport.
Political Outcome
Treaty concluded and opened for ratification by UNESCAP member states to promote cooperative dry port development in the Asia-Pacific region.