Trans-Asian Railway Network (TAR) Coming Soon

The so-called Iron Silk Road Project, which is initiated by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific since 1960, will come to force 90 days after the remaining 9 countries agree to sign the intergovernmental agreement on the 81,000 km network project.

The 9 countries, comprising of Bangladesh, N Korea, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, and Turkmenistan, are given 2 more years to decide on their taking part in the project.

18 countries, including China, Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, signed the agreement on Nov 10 in S Korea.

The rail-integrated TAR, which links capitals, ports and industrial hubs across 28 Asian nations all the way to Europe, will enhance the transport network in the whole region. It will improve the port efficiency, avoid port congestion, and especially help the landlocked countries to get an easier access to the world markets.

It seems to be a good initiation, but i dun understand why the rest of the countries are reluctant to sign. Is it because those countries such as Singapore and Malaysia don't seem to get any special advantages or benefits from the project? Emm... can't see the reason especially for Singapore. it'd gain a lot from its very active port by transporting products to the mainlands. Or is it because of the possible reduction in its port activities due to the switch to rail transport? Immigration problems?

Anyway, i wish to see it happen asap.